India Sourcing Crude, LPG From Multiple Countries; Russia Among Options: MEA

Last Updated:March 19, 2026, 18:02 IST

Ministry of External Affairs stressed securing global energy supplies, including from Russia. The Petroleum Ministry assured adequate crude supply and full refinery operations.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday underlined the country’s push to secure energy supplies from across the globe, saying New Delhi is prepared to source LPG and crude oil from any available market—including Russia—amid escalating global disruptions.

Addressing a press briefing, the MEA said India is actively diversifying its energy procurement strategy to ensure uninterrupted supplies as tensions in West Asia threaten key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

“We are trying to buy LPG from everywhere. The situation is such that, if needed, we will buy from Russia," the MEA spokesperson said, highlighting the government’s flexible sourcing approach.

Reiterating India’s broader energy policy, the ministry added, “We buy oil from all parts of the world. We have many more tankers coming. We have diversified resource options in this regard. We are buying from various sources, including Russia."

Additionally, the Petroleum Ministry said crude supply remains adequate, and refineries are operating at full capacity. Petrol pumps across the country are functioning normally, with no reports of shortages, while PNG and CNG supplies continue at 100%.

To manage demand and prevent disruptions, commercial LPG users are being encouraged to shift to PNG, where networks exist, supported by incentives and faster connections. Authorities have also stepped up measures against hoarding and black marketing, with states activating control rooms and intensifying inspections.

The Centre has asked states to allocate an additional 10% of commercial LPG to support PNG expansion and has advised consumers to rely on official updates, avoid panic buying, and opt for home delivery of cylinders.

The statements come amid rising tensions in West Asia and recent disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz a critical route for nearly 20% of global oil and gas supplies raising concerns for energy-import dependent countries like India.

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