India's Crude Oil Imports Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions

India's crude oil imports have surged, particularly from Russia, making it the largest supplier as of June. With geopolitical tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, experts warn of potential disruptions to India's energy supply, emphasizing the need for diversification. The reopening of the Strait is seen as crucial for restoring LPG supplies, while crude and LNG imports may take longer to stabilize. This situation highlights the complexities of global energy markets and India's reliance on Gulf producers.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 21, 2026, 12:41 IST

Rising Crude Oil Imports from Russia and UAE

India has seen a significant increase in crude oil imports from Russia, with June figures showing an average of 2.66 million barrels per day, up from 1.91 million barrels per day in May. This shift positions Russia as India's top oil supplier for the time being, according to the latest statistics. Additionally, imports from the United Arab Emirates reached 636,000 barrels per day in June, slightly below the record of 644,000 barrels per day set in May, as reported by Kpler data.

As the world's third-largest energy importer, India heavily depends on Gulf nations for crude oil, LNG, and LPG supplies. The recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to regional conflicts has raised concerns about supply disruptions. Analysts warn that if geopolitical tensions persist and the Strait remains closed, India could face significant challenges, as approximately 50% of its oil imports originate from Gulf producers. This situation could lead to increased crude oil prices, freight, insurance, and fuel costs.

Experts emphasize the urgency for India to diversify its oil supply sources. Sumit Ritolia, Senior Manager-Modelling at Kpler, noted that reopening the Strait of Hormuz would be crucial for restoring India's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies. However, the normalization of crude oil and LNG imports may take longer, as the country has already adapted to supply disruptions through diversification and alternative routes. Ritolia stated, "The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would mark a significant milestone for global energy markets, but its impact on India will vary across different commodities. While India continues to be a major importer of Middle Eastern hydrocarbons, crude and LNG imports have shown resilience during the disruptions, unlike LPG, which has faced the most severe impacts. Our projections suggest that a gradual reopening starting in early July will focus on clearing blocked cargoes and restoring shipping flows before Gulf exporters can significantly ramp up their exports."