**Russian Oil Tanker Diverts to Avoid EU Sanctions on Indian Refinery**
A Russian oil tanker has changed course and is now unloading its cargo at a different port in India, avoiding the European Union’s sanctions on Nayara Energy. The move comes after two other tankers skipped loading refined products from the same port last week.
According to shipping data and industry sources, the Omni tanker was carrying about 700,000 barrels of Russian Urals crude oil. It had arrived at Vadinar port, which is owned by Nayara Energy, but its destination was changed to Mundra port on Wednesday. The tanker is now anchored off Mundra, where it will unload its cargo.
Nayara Energy has a 49% stake in Rosneft, the Russian oil producer that owns the company. The European Union imposed fresh sanctions on Russia last week, which included targeting Nayara Energy among other companies.
It’s unclear why the cargo was not unloaded at Vadinar port as planned. However, it appears that another refinery, operated by HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL), has bought the Russian oil. HMEL operates a 226,000 barrel-per-day refinery in northern Punjab state.
**Impact of EU Sanctions on Indian Oil Refineries**
The diversion of the Russian oil tanker is a significant development in the wake of the EU’s sanctions on Nayara Energy. The sanctions have disrupted oil supplies to several Indian refineries, including those operated by Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL) and Mittal Energy Investments.
The move by HMEL to buy the Russian oil cargo suggests that some Indian refineries are looking for alternative suppliers to meet their fuel needs. However, it’s unclear how this will impact the country’s overall oil imports from Russia.
**Commentary**
“This is a clear example of the complexities and challenges that arise when international sanctions intersect with global trade,” said energy expert Nidhi Verma. “The diversion of the Russian oil tanker highlights the intricacies of the oil trade, where geopolitics plays a significant role in shaping supply chains.”
Verma noted that India’s oil imports from Russia have been increasing in recent years, driven by the country’s growing demand for fuel and its strategic partnership with Moscow.
“This development underscores the need for greater clarity and coordination among countries on international sanctions to prevent disruptions to global trade,” Verma said.
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