The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in India has dismissed reports claiming that an Iranian crude oil shipment was diverted to China due to payment issues. The Ministry stated that such claims are 'factually inaccurate', emphasizing that Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including imports from Iran, without any payment hurdles. The reports arose after the Aframax tanker Ping Shun, which was scheduled to reach Vadinar port in India, was tracked heading to Dongying, China. This shipment would have marked India's first purchase of Iranian crude oil since 2019. The Ministry explained that the oil trade allows for operational flexibility, meaning that vessels can change their discharge ports during voyages. They also reassured that India's crude oil needs are fully met for the coming months, and highlighted the arrival of an LPG vessel carrying Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at Mangalore, India.