Mangaluru: A Russian oil tanker that was originally bound for China has changed course mid-voyage and is now heading to India, highlighting the growing shift in global crude flows as India increases imports from Moscow.
According to ship-tracking data, the Aframax tanker Aqua Titan, carrying Russia’s Urals crude, is expected to arrive at New Mangalore Port on March 21. The vessel had initially signalled the Chinese port of Rizhao as its destination before reversing course in the South China Sea and redirecting towards India.
The diversion comes as India significantly increased purchases of Russian crude following geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East and changes in global oil trade dynamics.
Tanker changes route in South China Sea
The Aqua Titan loaded its cargo from a Baltic Sea port in late January. Ship-tracking information indicates that the tanker had been sailing towards China for several weeks before altering its route in mid-March.
While passing through Southeast Asian waters, the vessel reportedly made a U-turn and began heading towards India. It is now scheduled to reach New Mangalore Port in Karnataka later this week.
Industry analysts say such mid-voyage diversions are increasingly common during periods of geopolitical tension, when buyers seek to secure supplies quickly and traders redirect cargoes to markets offering better demand.
India ramps up Russian oil imports
The change in route comes shortly after the United States allowed India temporary flexibility to increase purchases of Russian crude already at sea.
Following this development, Indian refiners rapidly stepped up buying activity. According to industry data, Indian companies purchased around 30 million barrels of Russian oil within a week of the policy concession.
The move was aimed at helping the country manage potential supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has affected oil flows from parts of the Middle East.
Energy experts note that Russian crude has remained attractive to India due to competitive pricing and reliable supply during periods of global uncertainty.
Multiple tankers diverting from China to India
The Aqua Titan is not the only vessel to change its destination. Data from energy analytics firm Vortexa Ltd. indicates that at least seven oil tankers carrying Russian crude have diverted from China to India during their voyages.
These changes suggest a shift in the global oil trade as India returns as a major buyer of Russian crude after briefly reducing purchases earlier.
Analysts say China had become Moscow’s primary buyer when other countries reduced imports due to geopolitical tensions. However, with more countries gradually re-entering the market, cargoes are now being redirected to alternative destinations.
Another tanker heading to India
In a related development, another vessel, the Suezmax tanker Zouzou N., is also reportedly heading to India after changing its course.
Ship-tracking data shows that the tanker is now signalling Sikka in Gujarat as its destination, with an estimated arrival date of March 25.
The vessel is carrying Kazakh CPC Blend crude, according to commodity intelligence firm Kpler. It had earlier sailed from Novorossiysk on Russia’s Black Sea coast and was initially headed towards the waters near Rizhao in China before turning around in early March.
This second diversion further highlights the changing trade routes currently shaping global crude shipments.
Impact on global oil markets
Energy analysts believe the renewed demand from India and other countries could influence global oil prices in the coming weeks.
With additional buyers such as Japan and South Korea also re-entering the market for Russian crude, competition for available cargoes could intensify. This may push prices upward after months of relative stability in discounted Russian oil sales.
The evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East is also expected to continue affecting supply chains and tanker routes across the world.
Strategic importance for India
For India, increasing imports from Russia helps diversify energy sources and maintain stable supplies amid uncertainty in global markets.
India is among the world’s largest importers of crude oil and relies heavily on overseas supplies to meet its energy needs. Access to discounted Russian crude has played a significant role in keeping import costs manageable over the past few years.
Industry observers say ports such as New Mangalore, Sikka and others will continue to play a key role in handling these shipments as India adjusts its energy procurement strategies.
Conclusion
The diversion of the Aqua Titan tanker to New Mangalore reflects the shifting dynamics of the global oil trade. As geopolitical tensions reshape supply chains, India has emerged as a major destination for Russian crude once again.
With multiple tankers now redirecting cargoes towards Indian ports, the country’s refining sector is expected to remain an important player in the evolving international energy market.