Russian oil tanker bound for China diverts to India's New Mangalore Port

A Russian oil tanker, Aqua Titan, originally bound for China, has diverted course in the South China Sea and is now headed to India's New Mangalore port, set to arrive on March 21st. The vessel is carrying Urals grade crude oil loaded from a Baltic Sea port in late January. According to ship tracking data, the tanker initially signaled the Chinese port of Rizhao as its destination before changing course in mid-March. The diversion comes days after the United States gave India clearance to temporarily increase Russian oil purchases. India has been diversifying its crude oil suppliers to meet its energy security needs. Before recent developments, India was importing approximately 1.8 million barrels per day of Russian crude. The government has stated it will source oil from every available country and supplier. The change in direction occurs as China faces an energy crisis, with India managing to secure the cargo.