New Delhi expands its energy sourcing amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions, with Russia retaining its position as the largest crude supplier
India has expanded its crude oil sourcing to around 43 countries amid disruptions to global energy supplies, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerging as a major partner in the country’s efforts to strengthen energy security.
Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said Russia remained India’s largest crude oil supplier, while the country had widened purchases from other producers, including Venezuela, to reduce dependence on a limited number of sources.
Speaking to The National, Mittal said India’s long-term strategy of diversifying energy imports had helped it navigate supply disruptions caused by the Iran conflict and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE now accounts for approximately 15 to 20 per cent of India’s total energy imports. It supplies around 25 per cent of India’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports, 10 per cent of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and 15 per cent of crude oil, according to the official.
Mittal described the UAE as a reliable energy partner, noting that supplies of crude oil, LPG and LNG had continued despite regional instability.
India has also significantly increased energy purchases from the United States. American LPG now accounts for around 67 per cent of India’s total imports of the fuel, compared with 10 per cent at the beginning of 2026.
-
The diversification drive comes as global oil prices remain elevated following the Iran war, which began on February 28
-
Brent crude has risen more than 45 per cent since the conflict started and was trading near $105 a barrel, according to the report
Mittal said price volatility remained a greater concern than absolute crude prices, as unpredictable fluctuations complicate economic planning.
India is also strengthening domestic energy production. In July, it launched a $9 billion programme for ultra-deep and deep-water oil exploration, alongside a $2.5 billion initiative to convert waste into biogas.
Separately, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UAE visit in May, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company signed an agreement with Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves to expand crude storage capacity in India to 30 million barrels.
The initiatives are aimed at balancing import dependence with greater domestic energy self-reliance.
