Russia has indicated that it is ready to step in and support India’s energy requirements if supplies from the Gulf are disrupted due to the deepening crisis in West Asia, people familiar with the matter told ET Bureau.
With concerns mounting over possible interruptions in crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from the Middle East, Moscow has assured that it stands prepared to meet India’s energy needs should the situation worsen and impact regular flows.
The assurance comes at a time when tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated sharply, unsettling key trade corridors and energy markets in the region. In response to recent developments, Iran has reportedly carried out strikes targeting oil refineries and production facilities at multiple sites.
Tehran has also declared the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that vessels attempting to cross the passage may face potential attacks.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most crucial maritime chokepoints, handling a substantial share of global crude oil and LNG shipments. A significant portion of India’s energy imports passes through this route, making the situation particularly sensitive for New Delhi.
Earlier in the day, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India currently holds adequate reserves of crude oil and petroleum products to manage any immediate supply disruptions.
He reiterated that India’s energy strategy continues to balance availability, affordability and sustainability, ensuring that the country’s growing demand is met without compromising long-term goals.
According to ANI, citing official sources, India has around twenty-five days of crude oil stocks and an equivalent amount of petrol and diesel inventories. Together, this translates into roughly eight weeks of overall fuel availability. Nearly 40 per cent of India’s crude imports move through the Strait of Hormuz, while the remaining 60 per cent arrive via alternate routes.
In recent years, India has broadened its crude sourcing basket to reduce dependence on any single geography. Public sector oil marketing companies are maintaining sufficient inventory levels, while the country’s strategic petroleum reserves provide an added layer of protection against sudden external shocks.
To closely track developments, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has established a round-the-clock control room to monitor stock levels and supply positions across the country. A high-level review meeting involving senior officials and heads of public sector energy firms was also convened to evaluate preparedness amid the Gulf tensions.
Government officials said their immediate focus is to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, shield consumers from volatility and safeguard the interests of nearly one crore Indians residing and working in the Gulf region.
Authorities stressed that the government remains alert and fully prepared to respond to any emerging disruption, working in coordination with domestic stakeholders and international partners to preserve India’s energy security.
