New Delhi, India — April 4, 2026
India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rejected claims circulating online that Iranian crude oil shipments meant for India were diverted to China due to payment-related issues, calling the reports inaccurate and misleading.
In an official clarification issued on Saturday, the ministry stated that there is no factual basis to reports suggesting that Iranian oil cargoes were rerouted from Vadinar port in Gujarat. It emphasized that such claims, widely shared on social media, do not reflect the actual situation.
The ministry said India’s crude oil supply remains stable and fully secured, even as parts of West Asia continue to face geopolitical and logistical challenges affecting global energy flows.
According to the statement, Indian refiners have proactively secured sufficient crude supplies to meet domestic demand for the coming months. This includes diversified sourcing strategies as well as continued imports from Iran where applicable.
Officials also addressed speculation regarding payment mechanisms, clarifying that there are no obstacles or disruptions in processing payments for Iranian crude oil. The government underscored that all transactions are proceeding smoothly, contrary to unverified reports.
The clarification comes amid heightened global attention on energy markets, where supply chain disruptions and regional tensions have led to increased volatility in oil prices and trade flows.
By firmly rejecting the claims, the government aims to prevent misinformation and reinforce confidence in India’s energy security framework. Authorities reiterated that there is no immediate or foreseeable risk to crude availability in the country.
