New Delhi, April 4 -- The Petroleum Ministry on Saturday refuted the reports alleging that an Iranian crude cargo heading to India was diverted to China due to 'payment issues'.

In an X post, the Petroleum Ministry stated that India has faced no payment hurdle in securing crude oil imports. Rubbishing the media reports, the ministry said that the Bills of Lading often carry indicative discharge ports and destinations, and on-sea cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage based on trade optimisation and operational flexibility.

The ministry said, "The news reports and social media posts of an Iranian crude cargo being diverted from Vadinar, India, to China due to 'payment issues' is factually incorrect. India imports crude oil from 40+ c...