India’s oil trade with Iran could see a temporary revival this week, as a tanker carrying an estimated 600,000 barrels of Iranian crude is reportedly en route to Gujarat and expected to dock on April 4.
The Eswatini-flagged vessel Ping Shun is currently sailing from Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil storage hub, toward Vadinar in Gujarat. Notably, Kharg Island has recently been cited as a potential target amid escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran.
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While the identity of the buyer remains unclear, Vadinar houses a major refinery operated by Nayara Energy, which is backed by Russian interests. The port also serves as a distribution hub, supplying crude to inland refineries, including the facility in Bina operated by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
However, uncertainty remains over the tanker’s final destination. According to vessel tracking data from Kpler, Gujarat is currently listed as the endpoint, but this could change mid-journey.
Experts caution that so-called “dark fleet” tankers—ships often used to transport sanctioned oil—frequently alter their declared destinations to evade detection and scrutiny. As a result, it remains to be seen whether the cargo will ultimately reach Indian shores or be diverted elsewhere.
The development comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, raising questions over the future of India-Iran energy ties and global oil supply dynamics.
