India now routes 70 percent of its crude oil imports outside the Strait of Hormuz, up from a previous baseline of 55 percent, according to the government. Officials said the change reflects a broader shift in India’s energy procurement strategy aimed at reducing dependence on the key oil shipping corridor.
The update was shared during an inter-ministerial press briefing on Wednesday, where officials said the revised logistics plan helps secure India’s crude supply despite regional tensions. India’s daily crude requirement is around 5.5 million barrels, and the revised logistics plan is intended to keep supply stable.
- Russian oil imports surge by 50 percent
- Domestic refineries operating at maximum capacity
- Government guarantees full supply of CNG and domestic PNG
India increases Russian crude purchases
Imports rise as US grants temporary waiver.
The shift also comes as Indian refiners increase purchases of Russian crude to offset supply risks linked to the Middle East. Recent reports indicate India has secured around 30 million barrels of Russian oil after the United States granted a 30-day 'waiver' allowing purchases of Russian oil.
Russian crude has remained a key part of India’s import mix in recent years, accounting for around one-third of the country’s oil imports between 2024 and 2026, according to trade data cited by analysts.
Refineries increase output
Plants running at high utilisation.
To maintain a steady supply of petrol and diesel to retail outlets, domestic refineries have increased operations to maximum capacity utilisation, with some units currently running above 100 percent of their rated capacity.
Officials said this is supported by a steady pipeline of crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, with several cargos currently enroute to Indian ports, helping maintain short-term supply stability.
Government guarantees full supply of CNG and domestic PNG
Natural Gas Control Order issued under Essential Commodities Act.
To ensure uninterrupted supply for transport and households, the government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to issue a Natural Gas Control Order on March 9.
The order mandates 100 percent supply of compressed natural gas (CNG) and domestic piped natural gas (PNG) without any cuts. To enable this, other sectors such as refineries and petrochemical units will absorb a 35 percent reduction in gas allocation, ensuring priority supply for mobility and household consumption.
Shipping operations remain stable
Government monitoring vessels in the Persian Gulf.
The Ministry of Shipping said port operations remain normal, with no disruption to export-import trade. Authorities are monitoring 28 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, including 24 to the west of the Strait of Hormuz and four to the east. Control rooms have been set up to track vessel movement and cargo status.
Uday Singh
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
