Tensions in global oil trade are rising — four Russian oil tankers loaded with Urals crude remain anchored off India’s western coast. Local refineries are awaiting government instructions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new wave of sanctions targeting countries still importing Russian oil.

The tankers Achilles, Elyte, Destan, and Horae departed in late June but have yet to be cleared. They are located near the port of Sikka, which serves major Indian companies such as Reliance Industries and Bharat Petroleum.

🛢️ New U.S. Tariffs and Sanctions Shake the Market

Trump’s administration declared this week that India will face new import tariffs due to its continued purchase of Russian oil. Along with that, came a warning: more sanctions could follow if India fails to curb its imports from Moscow.

The move follows the European Union’s latest round of sanctions against Russia. The U.S. is now tightening pressure on the global oil market, especially on those nations that have maintained a relatively neutral stance.

📉 Indian Refineries Ordered to Find Alternatives

India’s response was swift — government officials instructed domestic refineries to prepare alternative sourcing plans. The aim is to avoid supply shocks if Trump's team expands the sanctions. Companies have been asked to present strategies for securing oil from non-sanctioned countries.

The Achilles and Elyte tankers were initially scheduled to offload in early August. Each vessel holds around 700,000 barrels and both were previously sanctioned by the EU and UK, increasing the legal risks for Indian importers.

Destan and Horae, also Aframax-class tankers, are still offshore. While Destan is on the sanctions list, Horae is not — yet. Its final destination remains unclear, and Indian authorities are watching closely to see if Washington expands its sanctions framework.

🌍 Trump Escalates Russia Rhetoric – With Doubts About Sanctions’ Effectiveness

Tensions are not just legal — Trump escalated his rhetoric during a White House press conference, revealing that special envoy Steve Witkoff will soon travel to Russia. His mission: mediate peace talks in the Ukraine conflict. Earlier this year, Witkoff visited Moscow and met with President Vladimir Putin, though without a breakthrough.

Trump confirmed plans for more sanctions, stating: “Yes, we’ll impose sanctions. I don’t know if they care. They know about sanctions. I know about sanctions, tariffs, and all the rest better than anyone. I don’t know if it works, but we’ll do it.”

🚢 Over 2.8 Million Barrels of Crude Wait at Sea

The four Russian-linked tankers near India now hold over 2.8 million barrels of oil in limbo. With no clear decision made, the cargo remains onboard, and refiners are left waiting.

This episode underscores how quickly geopolitics can reshape global energy flows — and just how thin the line between trade and diplomacy can be. The question remains whether India will continue energy cooperation with Russia or yield to mounting pressure from Washington.


#russia , #TRUMP , #Geopolitics , #oil , #worldnews

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