Tanker with Iranian crude shifts course from India to China

A US-sanctioned tanker named Ping Shun, carrying about 600,000 barrels of Iranian crude oil, has rerouted from Gujarat’s Vadinar port in India to Dongying in China.

The Eswatini-flagged Aframax tanker, built in 2002 and sanctioned by the US in 2025, was set to deliver India’s first Iranian crude shipment since 2019 before abruptly changing course near Vadinar.

This shift occurred mid-voyage after signaling India earlier in the week, with tracking data from Kpler confirming the new destination.

Payment issues are the primary factor, as Iranian sellers have tightened terms from 30-60 day credit to upfront or near-term settlements amid US sanctions complexities.

The reroute coincides with a recent 30-day US sanctions waiver on such purchases, expiring April 19, 2026, though the tanker’s destination signals remain non-final and could still revert.