China-bound tanker carrying Russian oil makes u-turn, now heading towards India
The development comes a day after two Indian ships carrying gas safely arrived at Gujarat ports from the Strait of Hormuz.
PTC News Desk: A Russian oil-laden tanker bound for China has U-turned in the South China Sea. It was originally headed for the Chinese port of Rizhao, but is now rapidly approaching India.
The development comes a day after two Indian ships carrying gas safely arrived at Gujarat ports from the Strait of Hormuz. The Aqua Titan is set to arrive in New Mangalore on March 21 carrying Urals crude loaded from a Baltic Sea port in late January, according to ship-tracking data.
The Aframax vessel had initially signalled Rizhao as its destination, but changed course in Southeast Asian waters in mid-March—just days after the US allowed India to temporarily increase purchases of Russian oil.
According to Vortexa Ltd., at least seven tankers carrying Russian crude have diverted mid-voyage from China to India, with all major Indian refiners now actively buying the country’s oil.
Meanwhile, global crude oil prices continue to rise, putting pressure on domestic fuel markets. Prices remain above $102 per barrel, influencing retail fuel rates across India.
Petrol and diesel prices released by state-run oil companies on Wednesday showed an increase in several cities, including Patna and Noida.
Consumers are advised to check the latest fuel prices in their respective cities before refuelling, as fluctuations continue amid volatile global markets.