Two Iranian Crude Supertankers Carrying 4 Million Barrels Anchor Off Sikka and Paradip

Two sanctioned Iranian crude oil tankers have anchored off Indian ports in Gujarat and Odisha, marking a rare development in India’s energy trade amid escalating geopolitical tensions and renewed restrictions on Iranian oil exports. The vessels’ arrival comes as the global oil market reacts to fresh enforcement signals from the United States and shifting sanctions dynamics.

The tanker Felicity dropped anchor off Sikka in western India, while another vessel, Jaya, was reported near Paradip on India’s east coast. Both ships are carrying around 2 million barrels of Iranian crude each, loaded from Iran’s Kharg Island export terminal in recent months, according to ship-tracking data cited in reports.

The development is significant as India has not imported Iranian crude since 2019 due to US sanctions on Tehran’s oil sector. However, a recent waiver allowed purchases of oil already in transit, aimed at stabilizing global supply amid Middle East tensions. This limited relaxation has opened the door for selective cargoes to reach Indian refiners after years of disruption in bilateral energy trade.

Also Read: US Issues 30-Day Waiver on Sanctions for Iranian Oil at Sea Until April 19

The situation has gained further complexity following statements from US President Donald Trump, who announced plans to tighten restrictions on shipping routes linked to Iranian exports, including measures affecting vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. It remains unclear how such measures could impact existing waivers or shipments already en route.

Indian refiners, including Indian Oil Corporation, Reliance Industries Ltd, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, are closely linked to the Sikka and Paradip terminals that handle crude imports. While some reports suggest potential purchases under the waiver system, companies have not officially confirmed involvement in the specific cargoes currently anchored offshore.

The arrival of the tankers highlights the fragile balance between energy security needs and geopolitical constraints, as India navigates diversified crude sourcing amid global instability. With sanctions enforcement, waiver policies, and maritime tensions evolving rapidly, the status of the shipments remains uncertain, reflecting broader volatility in international oil trade flows.

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