Tankers sanctioned by the United States in January have been involved in recent ship-to-ship transfers of Russian crude destined for India.
India stands as one of the top buyers of Russian crude oil and has indicated restrictions on allowing sanctioned tankers to discharge oil at its import terminals.
Three sanctioned tankers were observed loading crude from Russia's Far Eastern terminals and transferring oil to other vessels, taking part in the supply chain.
Indian refiners intend to continue importing Russian crude in adherence to G7 price cap and sanctions, with a significant increase in imports expected in May, led by lighter Russian grades like ESPO.