New Delhi: A Russian oil tanker originally bound for China has changed course mid-voyage and is now heading to India, highlighting a sharp shift in global crude trade flows.
The Aframax vessel Aqua Titan is expected to arrive at New Mangalore Port on March 21, carrying Urals crude loaded from a Baltic Sea port in late January.
Mid-sea U-turn towards India
Ship-tracking data shows the tanker had initially signalled Rizhao Port as its destination before making a U-turn in the South China Sea in mid-March.
The diversion comes shortly after the United States allowed India to temporarily ramp up imports of Russian crude, prompting Indian refiners to significantly increase purchases.
India ramps up Russian oil imports
Following the policy shift, Indian refiners reportedly secured around 30 million barrels of Russian oil within a week. The surge is aimed at offsetting supply disruptions from the Middle East amid the ongoing Iran conflict.
India had earlier reduced purchases from Russia, but is now re-emerging as a major buyer.
Global ripple effects
With more countries, including Japan and South Korea, also resuming imports, global demand for Russian crude is expected to rise, potentially pushing prices upward.
Market intelligence firm Vortexa Ltd. reported that at least seven tankers have rerouted from China to India in recent weeks, indicating a broader trend.
Another tanker changes course
In a similar move, the Suezmax tanker Zouzou N. is now heading towards Sikka Port, with an estimated arrival date of March 25.
The vessel is carrying CPC Blend crude from Novorossiysk and had initially sailed towards waters near Rizhao before reversing course earlier this month.
Conclusion
The rerouting of oil tankers from China to India underscores shifting energy dynamics driven by geopolitical developments and changing import policies. As India steps up purchases, it is once again becoming a key destination for Russian crude, reshaping regional trade patterns.