Russian Oil Tanker Diverts from China to India Amid Soaring Demand

• A Russian oil tanker, Aqua Titan, originally bound for China, U-turned in the South China Sea and is now heading to New Mangalore, India.
• The diversion comes after India significantly increased its imports of Russian oil, following a US concession allowing temporary increases.
• Indian refiners purchased 30 million barrels of Russian oil in the week after the concession, partly to offset lost Middle Eastern supplies due to the Iran war.
• At least seven Russian oil tankers have switched destinations from China to India mid-voyage, with all major Indian refiners now buying Russian crude.
• The return of buyers like Japan and South Korea, alongside India's increased demand, is expected to drive up oil prices.