A Russian oil tanker that was earlier heading toward China has now changed its route and is moving toward India, reflecting the shifting dynamics of global energy trade during the ongoing crisis. Ship-tracking data shows that the Aframax tanker Aqua Titan is expected to reach the port of New Mangalore on March 21. It is carrying a cargo of Russia’s Urals crude oil. The vessel had originally loaded oil from a Baltic Sea port in late January and had indicated Rizhao in China as its destination.

However, in mid-March, the tanker made a sudden turn while sailing through Southeast Asian waters. It then began moving toward India instead of continuing its journey to China. This unexpected change in route has drawn attention as it comes at a time when global energy supplies are under pressure. When asked about the development, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal did not confirm the reports during a press briefing.

The timing of this shift is significant. It happened at a time when the United States allowed India to increase its imports of Russian crude oil. This decision was taken to help deal with the ongoing energy crisis. The crisis has worsened due to tensions involving Iran, which shut the Strait of Hormuz during its conflict with Israel and the US. This waterway is extremely important for global energy supply, as more than 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes through it.

Following this development, Indian refiners acted quickly to secure additional oil supplies. Within a week, they purchased nearly 30 million barrels of Russian crude, according to market data. This sharp rise in buying shows India’s effort to make up for the reduced supply coming from its usual Middle Eastern sources. The country is trying to ensure that its energy needs are met despite disruptions in key supply routes.

Data from energy intelligence firm Vortexa Ltd. suggests that this is not an isolated case. At least seven tankers carrying Russian crude have reportedly changed their destinations mid-journey, moving away from China and heading toward India in recent weeks. This trend indicates a larger shift in oil trade patterns. It also shows how India is becoming a key buyer of Russian crude during this period of uncertainty. Major Indian refiners are now actively looking for more such cargoes to strengthen their supply.

In another similar case, a second tanker has also altered its route toward India. The Suezmax vessel Zouzou N., which is carrying Kazakhstan’s CPC Blend crude, is now expected to arrive at Sikka port on India’s west coast on March 25. Earlier, this vessel had departed from Novorossiysk on the Black Sea and was initially moving toward waters near Rizhao in China. It later changed course in early March and redirected its cargo toward India.

At the same time, some Indian vessels have managed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the tense situation in the region. On Tuesday, an Indian-flagged LPG carrier named Nanda Devi reached Vadinar port in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district. It was carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas for a ship-to-ship transfer at anchorage. The vessel had crossed the Strait of Hormuz along with another Indian-flagged LPG carrier, Shivalik.

According to the government, both ships were able to pass through the sensitive route safely over the weekend. While Shivalik reached India on Monday, Nanda Devi arrived a day later and anchored at Vadinar on Tuesday. Their safe passage is important, as it shows that some movement through the Strait is still possible despite ongoing tensions.

India continues to closely monitor the situation in the Persian Gulf. The region plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy needs. Any disruption there can have a direct impact on oil and gas supplies. The recent rerouting of tankers toward India highlights how global trade routes are adjusting to geopolitical tensions and supply challenges.

Keywords: Russian oil, China to India shift, Strait of Hormuz, energy crisis, tanker rerouting, US Iran conflict, crude oil trade