India Energy Supply: India has stopped importing Iranian oil since May 2019, but considering the current situation, America had temporarily relaxed the restrictions on buying Iranian oil through sea route.

4 Iranian oil tankers granted 'special entry' at India's Sikka port

Oil and Gas Supply: India's Shipping Ministry has granted special permission to four US-sanctioned tankers carrying Iranian oil to dock at the Sikka port in Gujarat, at the request of Reliance Industries. India is the world's third-largest oil importer.

However, due to US pressure, India has been unable to import oil from Iran since May 2019, when the US ordered it to stop purchasing Iranian crude oil. However, due to rising oil prices, the US temporarily relaxed restrictions on purchasing Iranian oil by sea last month. 
 

The four ships that have been allowed to dock at Sikka Port are named Kaviz, Lenore, Felicity, and Hedy.

Why was the exemption given?

The temporary exemption for purchasing Iranian oil by sea expires on April 19th. The four currently sanctioned US tankers permitted to dock at Sikka Port are part of the "Shadow Fleet." These vessels are over 20 years old and lack international insurance. Indian regulations require special government permission for such vessels to dock at ports, which is why Reliance made the request.

According to an India Today report, a source said the Shipping Ministry granted a special, one-time exemption to some vessels at the request of Reliance, the company that operates the world's largest refining complex, due to the emergency situation created by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Reliance's position on refining

Despite getting permission, it is not certain whether Reliance will process this Iranian oil or not as it wants to ensure that all transactions are done in full compliance with international sanctions and Indian regulations.