Geopolitical fireworks in the Middle East have triggered a bold move by India: a sharp increase in Russian crude imports. Tankers that set sail for China are now docking in Indian ports, underscoring New Delhi’s strategic pivot in energy security.
Take the Aqua Titan, an Aframax tanker brimming with Urals oil. Loaded late January from a Baltic port with Rizhao as its target, it suddenly pivoted mid-March, slicing through the South China Sea to reach New Mangalore by March 21.
The US’s surprising encouragement for nations to buy Russian oil has fueled this trend. Indian companies have acquired nearly 30 million barrels in a single week, countering supply jitters from Iran-tied Middle East tensions.
Vortexa analytics confirm seven such vessels have rerouted to India recently. All big Indian refiners are back in the game, reclaiming India’s spot as Moscow’s top buyer.
The Suezmax Juju N tells a similar story. Departing Novorossiysk with Kazakhstan’s CPC Blend crude, it ditched its China plans in early March for Sikka port, due March 25.
Japan and South Korea are jumping back in too, thanks to relaxed sanctions. Experts predict this demand spike will ignite a rally in worldwide oil prices soon, with India at the forefront of this energy chessboard.