'Fake News Alert!': India DID NOT pay in Chinese Yuan for oil tankers to cross Strait of Hormuz

Amid the escalated Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, unverified reports circulated on the internet claiming that India paid in Chinese Yuan as a fee to pass an oil tanker through the Strait. The Indian government strictly rejected the claims and warned against fake news circulation amid the sensitive time. This came after multiple accounts on the social media platform claimed that the Indian oil tanker crossed the Strait after payment and that the countries that are paying in the Chinese currency are only getting the permit to pass the Strait.

The fact-check account of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs shared a few such posts on the fake news and denounced them. The ministry wrote on X, "Fake News Alert! Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media!"

Among the shared posts, one was by the Russian TV which wrote, "Reports claim that an Indian oil tanker was reportedly allowed to cross after paying in Chinese Yuan, marking a notable shift in regional trade pr payment practices."

Two Indian tankers pass through Strait

Under the watchful eye of the Indian Navy, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, were reported navigating the high-stakes waters of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (March 23). Given the escalating regional tensions fueled by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Indian Navy has coordinated its movement through this critical maritime chokepoint. Once the vessels exit into the Gulf of Oman, they are scheduled to receive a direct naval escort to ensure their safe arrival.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.