India inks pact with Iran to pay crude bill in rupee

New Delhi, December 6 

India has signed an agreement with Iran to pay for crude oil it imports from the Persian Gulf nation in rupees, sources in know of the development said.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed following the US letting India and seven other nations to keep buying Iranian oil despite sanctions were re-imposed on the Islamic state on November 5.

Sources said Indian refiners will make rupee payments in a UCO Bank account of the National Iranian Oil Co (NIOC).

Half of these funds would be earmarked for settling payments for exports of Indian goods to Iran, they said.

Under US sanctions, India can export foodgrains, medicines and medical devices to Iran. India had won the exemption after it agreed to cut imports and escrow payments.

Under the 180-day exemption, India is allowed to import a maximum of 300,000 barrels a day of crude oil. This compares to an average daily import of about 560,000 barrels this year. — PTI

Brent oil price sinks under $60

London: Brent oil prices sank under $60 on Thursday after Saudi Arabia made remarks that were deemed overly cautious by analysts ahead of OPEC’s latest output decision. AFP

New payment mechanism

• Sources said Indian refiners will make rupee payments in a UCO Bank account of the National Iranian Oil Company 
• Half of these funds would be earmarked for settling payments for exports of Indian goods to Iran