India expands oil sourcing beyond Gulf region amid Hormuz disruptions, boosting imports from Russia and Africa to secure supplies and manage rising global crude prices, reports Asian Lite News Desk
India is stepping up efforts to diversify its crude oil and gas imports beyond the Gulf region, as tensions in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz threaten traditional supply routes.
A senior government official said energy security remains a top priority, with New Delhi actively sourcing supplies from a wider range of global markets to offset potential shortfalls.
“We are trying to diversify our sources from across the world, and that is our policy at present,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs. He added that India is open to support from multiple energy markets to maintain stability in supply.
The move comes amid ongoing concerns over restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Jaiswal confirmed that 11 Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf region, although 14 ships have successfully returned to India after crossing the strait.
Indian refiners have increasingly turned to alternative suppliers, particularly Russia and African nations such as Nigeria and Angola, to maintain adequate crude availability. Officials indicated that sourcing decisions are driven primarily by commercial viability and supply assurance, rather than geopolitical alignment.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, has significantly ramped up purchases of discounted Russian crude in recent years, helping domestic refiners manage high global energy costs. Imports from Russia are expected to average around 1.9 million barrels per day in May, close to record levels, according to market data.
This trend has continued despite periodic disruptions linked to US sanctions on major Russian energy firms, including Rosneft and Lukoil, as well as restrictions on shipping and financial channels. Temporary waivers have allowed Indian companies to resume and even expand procurement.
The shift in sourcing comes at a time when global oil prices have surged, with benchmark Brent crude crossing the $100 per barrel mark. India’s ability to tap into discounted supplies has helped cushion the domestic impact of rising prices and contributed to easing pressure on global demand.
Officials stressed that there is currently no shortage of crude supplies for India, with sufficient volumes secured through long-term contracts and diversified procurement strategies.
