India has resumed importing crude oil from Iran after a gap of nearly seven years, marking an important development in its energy trade. The return comes as two oil tankers carrying Iranian crude recently arrived at major Indian ports.
The tanker Felicity docked at Sikka port in Gujarat, while another vessel, Jaya, reached near Paradip port in Odisha. Together, the two ships are carrying close to 4 million barrels of crude oil, giving a boost to India’s supply at a time of global uncertainty.
India had stopped importing oil from Iran in 2019 after the United States imposed sanctions on Tehran. These restrictions made it difficult for Indian refiners to continue purchases, forcing them to shift to other suppliers.
The latest shipments have been made possible due to a temporary waiver that allows limited imports. Indian refiners have used this opportunity to secure additional crude, although the window may be short if restrictions are tightened again.
Iran has long been a preferred supplier for India because of competitive pricing and relatively lower transportation costs. The return of its crude, even in limited quantities, offers some relief at a time when global oil markets are facing volatility.
The move also comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, especially around key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, which plays a crucial role in global oil transport. In such a situation, diversifying supply sources becomes important for energy security.
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