India Assures Stable Energy Supply Amid Middle East Tensions

India remains in a “comfortable position” regarding energy supply, despite rising tensions in the Middle East, according to government sources cited in reports on Thursday.

Officials said the country’s energy situation is being reviewed twice daily to closely monitor any potential risks to oil and gas supplies.

Energy stocks remain sufficient

Government sources indicated that global supplies of crude oil, LNG, and LPG remain stable, and India continues to import energy from multiple suppliers.

Officials added that around 40 percent of India’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while the remaining 60 percent arrives through other routes. This diversified sourcing is seen as a factor that reduces vulnerability to disruptions in the region.

India currently has about eight weeks of inventory cover for crude oil and petroleum products, including strategic reserves.

The reserves include roughly 25 days of crude oil stock and about 25 days of petrol and diesel inventory, according to officials.

Authorities also said there are no plans to ration petrol or diesel, and that fuel availability across the country remains stable.

Government monitoring developments

Sources said diversified supply chains and existing reserves place India in a position to manage short-term supply disruptions if they occur.

The government continues to closely watch developments in the Middle East while maintaining communication with global suppliers and energy organisations.

Alternative supply offers

According to officials, Australia and Canada have offered to supply natural gas to India as the country looks to expand its energy sources.

India currently imports about 195 million metric standard cubic metres per day (mmscmd) of gas, with roughly 60 mmscmd coming from Qatar.

In response to potential supply uncertainties, authorities are exploring additional markets and suppliers to ensure continuity.

Energy companies preparing contingency steps

Officials noted that QatarEnergy has declared force majeure, a contractual provision that may allow a supplier to suspend or reduce supply obligations due to extraordinary circumstances.

In this context, GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited) may also invoke force majeure to prioritise gas deliveries to critical sectors if required.

Officials described these steps as precautionary measures designed to protect essential energy supplies.

Talks with global partners

India is also engaging with major oil producers, global traders, and international energy organisations to evaluate supply stability.

Discussions are reportedly ongoing with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) regarding market conditions.

Additionally, talks with the United States include discussions about insurance coverage for Indian vessels operating in sensitive maritime areas.

Diversification strategy continues

As part of its broader energy strategy, India has recently signed energy agreements with the UAE and the United States to diversify its supply sources.

Separate reports have also suggested that Russia may increase crude oil shipments to India, with ship-tracking data indicating that two Russian tankers carrying approximately 1.4 million barrels of Urals crude are expected to arrive at Indian ports.

Officials emphasised that these developments are part of efforts to strengthen energy security and maintain supply stability during a period of global uncertainty.