Russian crude ships change course amid concerns over oil payments

Several vessels transporting crude oil from Russia, previously idling off the coast of India, are now changing their course eastward, raising concerns about oil payments to Moscow and resulting in a decline in arrivals. Vessel-tracking data reveals that five ships, including the NS Commander, Sakhalin Island, Krymsk, Nellis, and Liteyny Prospect, all carrying Sokol oil from Russia’s Far East, are now moving towards the Malacca Strait, located between Indonesia and Malaysia, at speeds ranging from 7 to 10 knots. Meanwhile, a sixth vessel, the NS Century, also transporting Sokol oil, remains in proximity to Sri Lanka.