LPG Shipment from Iran Reaches Mangalore as India Secures Oil Supplies

The central government on Saturday, for the first time, acknowledged that Indian refiners have sourced a portion of their crude oil requirements from Iran amid ongoing supply disruptions in West Asia. It also confirmed the arrival of an Iranian LPG shipment at Mangalore. Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that India, which imports crude oil from more than 40 countries, allows its refiners complete flexibility to choose supply sources based on commercial considerations and market conditions. According to officials, despite disruptions in the Middle East, Indian refiners have managed to secure their crude oil requirements, including supplies from Iran. They clarified that there are no issues related to payments for Iranian crude imports, dismissing circulating rumours suggesting otherwise. This marks the first formal indication from the government in nearly seven years that Iranian crude could be reintroduced into India’s energy mix, following disruptions caused by sanctions in 2019. Reassuring markets, the government said that India’s crude oil supply remains fully secure for the coming months despite regional instability. On liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), officials rejected claims of any supply shortage and confirmed that a vessel named ‘Sea Bird’, carrying approximately 44,000 metric tonnes of Iranian LPG, arrived at New Mangalore Port on April 2 and is currently discharging its cargo. The development reflects a calibrated approach by Indian refiners to diversify supply sources amid evolving geopolitical conditions. It may be noted that India had halted imports of Iranian crude in 2019 after the tightening of US sanctions, prompting refiners to turn to alternative suppliers, including Russia and Gulf nations. The latest disclosure संकेत a cautious and potential re-engagement with Tehran as supply chains remain under pressure.