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Iranian VLCC Derya with 2 Mn Barrels Oil Off Gujarat Post-US Waiver; India Avoids Purchase Due to Secondary Sanctions Risk

Intl. RelationsEconomySecurity & DefenceHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
15 Apr 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:2 million barrelsMarch 20, 2026April 19, 2026Over 88% import dependency
Bodies:Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC)Petroleum MinistryUS Navy
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What This Article Covers

1.Iranian tanker Derya (VLCC) arrived near Gujarat with 2 million barrels of crude, loaded after the US waiver cut-off date of March 20, risking secondary sanctions for buyers.

2.The US Navy began a blockade of Iranian ports on April 14, 2026, aiming to curb Iran's energy earnings, primarily from China, and will not extend the sanctions waiver.

3.India imported Iranian oil after a 7-year gap via a temporary US waiver for pre-loaded cargoes, but must now navigate complex sanctions to secure energy needs while avoiding penalties.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

An Iranian oil tanker, sanctioned VLCC Derya, loaded with ~2 million barrels of crude, arrived off Gujarat after the US sanctions waiver cut-off date of March 20, 2026. Indian refiners are avoiding it to prevent secondary US sanctions, highlighting India's energy import strategy amidst US-Iran tensions and a naval blockade.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Tanker Name & TypeVLCC Derya
Estimated Cargo2 million barrels of Iranian crude
US Waiver Cut-off DateMarch 20, 2026 (12:01 EDT)
US Waiver Valid UntilApril 19, 2026
US Blockade Start DateApril 14, 2026 (Monday)
Tanker OperatorNational Iranian Tanker Company (NITC)
Last Indian Import from IranMay 2019
India's Oil Import DependencyOver 88%

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Tanker Name & Type: VLCC Derya
  • ›Estimated Cargo: 2 million barrels of Iranian crude
  • ›Target this Data: US waiver cut-off date - March 20, 2026 (12:01 EDT).
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Treasury Department.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: General licence issued by OFAC authorizing transactions until April 19, 2026.

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

The general licence related to the Iranian oil waiver mentioned in the news was issued by which US government body?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the news about the Iranian oil tanker:

1. The US sanctions waiver allowed for the purchase of Iranian oil that was already loaded on tankers before a specific cut-off date in March 2026.

2. The Iranian tanker Derya was operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

3. India had not imported any Iranian crude oil since May 2019 due to US sanctions prior to the recent waiver.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, what was the estimated cargo of the Iranian VLCC Derya that arrived near Gujarat?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary reason cited in the article for Indian refiners being unlikely to purchase the oil from the tanker Derya?

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