Russian oil tankers list Singapore as destination amid export shift to China

The rise in tankers listing destinations such as Singapore, Suez, or Port Said signals mounting difficulties with sales and a shrinking pool of reliable buyers, said a Moscow-based oil trader. The shift comes as India is expected to scale back or halt Russian oil imports following a recent trade deal with the US, leaving China as Russia's main customer.

Yet, Chinese state oil firms remain wary of buying spot cargoes due to sanction risks, further narrowing Russia's export options. Previously, tankers bound for India would list Egypt's Port Said or the Suez Canal as their destination, traders added.

Now, the use of vague or conditional ports has surged as companies seek to obscure final destinations and mitigate sanction risks. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Mark Potter)