Adani Group, India’s largest private port operator, has officially banned tankers sanctioned by Western countries from entering any of its 14 ports. This decision is aimed at protecting the company’s legal and commercial interests. The ban explicitly states that these vessels will not be permitted to enter, berth, or use any port services.
Impact on Russian Oil Imports
This new policy could significantly impact Russian oil supplies for at least two Indian refiners: HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Both companies regularly receive Russian oil at Adani’s Mundra Port. HMEL, in particular, gets all its crude supplies for its Bathinda refinery through this port, making it highly dependent on Adani’s facilities. India is the largest buyer of seaborne Russian oil, much of which is transported on these sanctioned vessels.
Refinery Adaptations and Broader Context
While India’s official policy is to only follow United Nations sanctions, Adani’s decision places its ports in alignment with sanctions from the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom. In response, a source familiar with IOC’s operations stated that the company will seek to reroute its Russian oil cargoes to other ports that still allow sanctioned vessels. This situation highlights the complex nature of global energy trade and sanctions, as India is simultaneously tightening its surveillance of vessels and transactions involving Russian supplies.
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Source: Reuters
