India’s energy strategy is rapidly evolving amid global supply disruptions, with the country significantly increasing Russian oil imports to offset shortages caused by geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
According to a report by The Times of India, India significantly increased its purchases of crude oil from Russia in March, with imports up 90% over February despite the nation’s overall crude intake falling by almost 15% due to supply problems in West Asia.
India Boosts Russian Oil Imports Amid Supply Crisis
India’s energy supplies were severely damaged by the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy chokepoint. According to the study, shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petroleum gas (LPG) fell 40% during the month, forcing New Delhi to look into other sourcing alternatives.
Russia’s imports significantly increased after comparatively quiet purchases between December 2025 and February 2026. The increase came after the US granted a 30-day waiver allowing the purchase of sanctioned oil that was already in transit. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Diversification of Oil Sources
Although their overall part of the import basket remained small, India expanded its crude sourcing from African countries including Angola, Gabon, Ghana, and Congo alongside Russia, according to the newspaper.
Some respite came from Middle Eastern producers rerouting supplies through pipelines that avoid Hormuz, such as the East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia and the Habshan-Fujairah line in the United Arab Emirates, Kpler analyst Sumit Ritoia told TOI. Despite maritime obstacles, these alternate routes assisted in maintaining partial flows.
🛢️ India Oil Import Highlights
- Russian Imports: +90% (March)
- Total Imports: -15%
- LNG/LPG Drop: -40%
- Main Issue: Hormuz disruption
- Strategy: Diversification
- Support: US waiver
Future Supply Outlook
Russian oil purchases are probably going to continue beyond April, according to Ritoia, with possible extra supplies from Iran and Venezuela anticipated to reduce supply threats.
According to the publication, Hormuz-related problems and a force majeure announced by QatarEnergy caused LNG imports from Qatar to plummet by 92%. Increased imports from the US, Oman, Angola, and Nigeria helped to somewhat overcome the shortage.
Impact on Domestic Energy Supply
In order to ensure sufficient availability for India’s enormous base of over 33 crore household consumers, the sharp decline in LPG imports was partially mitigated by increasing domestic production and reducing supplies to commercial and industrial users.
⚡ Energy Supply Adjustments
- LNG from Qatar: -92%
- Alternative Sources: US, Oman, Africa
- LPG Strategy: Boost domestic production
- Priority: Household supply
- Cutbacks: Industrial usage reduced
- Goal: Energy security
Conclusion
India’s rapid shift toward Russian and alternative oil sources highlights its flexible energy strategy amid global disruptions. While challenges persist, diversification and domestic adjustments are helping the country maintain energy stability.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or policy advice.
