ISTANBUL: A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil has changed course and is now heading toward China instead of India, marking a shift in a closely watched shipment, according to ship-tracking data, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
The vessel, identified as the Ping Shun, had earlier signalled India’s western port of Vadinar as its destination, which would have marked the first Iranian crude delivery to India in nearly seven years, according to Bloomberg.
Tracking data now shows the ship heading toward Dongying in China. However, destination signals are not final and may change at any time.
The Ping Shun, an Aframax built in 2002, was sanctioned by the US in 2025.
India last imported Iranian oil in 2019 after halting purchases following renewed US sanctions.
President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended penalties on Iranian cargoes already in transit, but challenges related to payments, shipping and insurance continue to complicate potential transactions. - Bernama-Anadolu
