It has become clear why India turned down Russian gas – Reuters

India has halted purchases of liquefied natural gas from Russia that is subject to U.S. sanctions, despite an energy shortage caused by tensions in the Middle East. The country is trying to strike a balance between meeting its own energy needs and avoiding conflicts with international law.

This was reported by Reuters.

According to sources, tracking gas-carrying vessels via satellite is much more effective than with oil, making it nearly impossible to conceal shipments. In particular, the tanker Kunpeng, which was heading to the Indian terminal in Daheji from the sanctioned Russian plant “Portovaya,” was forced to change course. Although documents indicated the cargo was of non-Russian origin, constant monitoring made it impossible to unload the fuel.

Unlike oil, which can be transshipped from ship to ship on the high seas to change its labeling, LNG logistics require specialized terminals and constant cooling. This limits Moscow’s ability to redirect its gas exports to new markets after losing European consumers. Currently, China remains the only major buyer of both permitted and sanctioned gas from Russia, while India agrees only to supplies that do not violate the sanctions regime.

Russia has added four tankers for transporting liquefied natural gas to its “shadow fleet,” attempting to strengthen its market position ahead of EU restrictions.

The European Union may impose sanctions against individuals and companies suspected of facilitating the transport of grain exported from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to the port of Haifa (Israel).