News Desk - India’s refiners are expected to remain cautious even as Iranian oil re-enters the market under a 60-day U.S. sanctions waiver, because the opportunity comes with regulatory, logistical, and commercial risks. The waiver could reopen a supply source that once mattered a lot to India, but companies are weighing whether the trade is worth the uncertainty.

The biggest issue is not refining capacity. Indian refiners can process Iranian crude, but they still need clarity on payment methods, shipping, insurance, and how strictly Washington will enforce the waiver’s terms. Traders say a large share of the available oil is moving on older shadow-fleet vessels, which adds more compliance and delivery risk.

The China factor is also shaping the decision. Iranian oil has largely been flowing to China in recent years, and refiners in India are unlikely to rush in if discounts, freight, and sanctions risk make the barrels less attractive than alternatives such as Middle Eastern or Russian crude. State-run refiners have reportedly been especially cautious, even while some private players have explored purchases.

Another concern is timing. The current waiver is temporary, so any cargo delay, paperwork problem, or payment hold-up could push a deal beyond the permitted window and expose buyers to sanctions trouble. That is why Indian refiners may prefer to watch market conditions rather than move aggressively, even if Iranian barrels are technically available again.