India's state-owned oil refiners are planning a significant reduction in their reliance on Middle Eastern crude, marking one of the most substantial shifts in the country's energy procurement strategy in years.
The move comes in direct response to the supply shocks triggered by the recent conflict in Iran, forcing New Delhi to recalibrate its sourcing to balance energy security with cost containment.
According to reports from Hindu Businessline, the refiners will increasingly turn to spot-market purchases and diversify their supplier base beyond West Asia.
This strategic pivot is designed to mitigate the risk of future disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding regions, which have historically been critical arteries for India's energy imports.
The decision underscores the growing vulnerability of global energy supply chains to geopolitical instability.
As the world's largest importer of crude oil, India's shift in sourcing patterns could have ripple effects across global markets, potentially increasing demand for crude from Africa, the Americas, and other non-OPEC regions.