Bhubaneswar: Russia is prepared to redirect crude oil shipments to India to help offset potential supply disruptions arising from the escalating conflict in West Asia, according to an industry source cited by Reuters.
Around 9.5 million barrels of crude oil are currently aboard tankers near Indian waters and could be diverted to Indian refiners within weeks if needed. The source did not specify the cargoes’ original destinations but noted that the shipments could be rerouted quickly, offering short-term relief to India’s energy supply chain.
India Assessing Energy Security Risks
Officials in India are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Gulf, where rising geopolitical tensions have increased concerns about potential disruptions to global oil flows.
India remains structurally vulnerable to external supply shocks, with its strategic petroleum reserves estimated to cover roughly 25 days of demand. In addition, refiners are reported to be holding relatively tight inventories of key fuels such as gasoil, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Government Exploring Alternative Sources
A government source said authorities in New Delhi are actively exploring alternative crude and gas supply routes in case the ongoing crisis in the Middle East extends beyond 10–15 days.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, has increasingly relied on discounted Russian crude since the start of the Russia-Ukraine War. The possibility of additional Russian cargoes being redirected could help stabilise domestic supply and cushion potential price shocks if shipping lanes or energy infrastructure in West Asia face prolonged disruption.
Energy markets remain on edge as governments and traders watch developments closely, with any escalation in the region capable of tightening global supply and pushing oil prices higher.
