India reviews oil security as West Asia tensions rise

March 4, 2026 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia have prompted India to closely assess its energy preparedness.

Government sources said the country currently holds about 25 days of crude and refined oil stocks.

Meanwhile, officials are exploring alternative suppliers for crude oil, LPG, and LNG to reduce immediate risks.

India relies heavily on energy imports from West Asian nations. Therefore, any disruption in shipping routes or supply chains could affect domestic availability.

However, authorities clarified that there are no immediate plans to increase petrol or diesel prices.

On Monday, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reviewed the national supply situation.

The meeting included senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and public sector undertakings.

The focus remained on ensuring stable supplies of crude oil, LPG, and other key petroleum products.

The ministry stated it is continuously monitoring developments. It also assured that necessary steps will be taken to maintain both the availability and affordability of fuel across the country.

In parallel, the Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry convened a high-level stakeholder consultation.

The session assessed the potential impact of the West Asia situation on India’s export-import cargo flows.

The meeting was chaired by Special Secretary Suchindra Misra and Director General of Foreign Trade Lav Agarwal of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Representatives from logistics operators, shipping lines, customs authorities, financial institutions, and export promotion bodies participated.

Discussions covered vessel scheduling adjustments, changes in shipping routes, container availability, and shifts in freight and insurance costs.

Stakeholders also evaluated transit-time variations and their implications for time-sensitive exports.

Importantly, officials stressed the need to maintain predictability in cargo movement.

They also emphasised minimising delays and ensuring smooth documentation and payment processes for exporters and importers.

While global uncertainty persists, the government has signalled preparedness.

With stock buffers in place and alternative sourcing under review, India aims to shield both its energy security and trade flows from external shocks.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on February 28, 2017