Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly surrounding Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, India's Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, has assured citizens that the country has weeks of fuel reserves and is prepared to maintain a stable energy supply. This assurance comes at a critical time, with geopolitical instability on the rise following reported US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.

Puri addressed concerns via a post on social media platform X, stating that India has been closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East for the past two weeks. He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has strategically diversified its energy import sources in recent years. This diversification has significantly reduced the nation's reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas shipments. The Strait, located between Oman and Iran, is a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world's oil consumption passes.

The Minister highlighted that India's Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) currently possess fuel reserves sufficient to last for several weeks. Furthermore, these companies continue to receive energy supplies through multiple routes, ensuring a buffer against potential disruptions. Puri reiterated the government's commitment to taking all necessary measures to guarantee a stable fuel supply for Indian citizens.

India, the world's third-largest oil importer and fourth-largest gas buyer, imports over 85% of its crude oil needs and roughly half of its natural gas requirements. While more than 40% of these oil imports and half of the gas imports traditionally originate from the Middle East, India has actively diversified its sources. A key aspect of this strategy involves increasing imports from Russia, which have risen dramatically since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.

Preliminary data indicates that in June 2025, Indian refiners are importing between 2 to 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from Russia, a notable increase from 1.96 million bpd in May. In comparison, imports from traditional Gulf partners such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait are projected to be slightly lower, at around 2 million bpd. Russian oil now constitutes approximately 40-44% of India's crude basket, a significant jump from less than 1% prior to the war in Ukraine.

Moreover, India has also increased its oil imports from the United States, as well as exploring options from West Africa and Latin America. These diversified routes provide India with greater resilience against potential supply shocks emanating from the Middle East. Russian oil, for instance, is logistically detached from the Strait of Hormuz, flowing via routes like the Suez Canal, Cape of Good Hope, or the Pacific Ocean.

In addition to diversifying import sources, India has also invested in establishing strategic petroleum reserves. These reserves can be utilized during emergencies or when global prices surge, providing a cushion for national oil companies and ensuring continued supply. The country has operational storage facilities at various locations, including Visakhapatnam, Mangalore, and Pudur, with a total capacity to store millions of metric tonnes of crude oil.

While analysts acknowledge the potential impact of a Strait of Hormuz closure on global oil prices, they also suggest that a complete and prolonged closure is unlikely. Sumit Ritolia of Kpler noted that Iran would risk alienating key allies like China and Gulf neighbors, as well as potentially provoking military retaliation. He suggested that at most, isolated disruptions lasting for a limited duration of 24-48 hours could occur.

In summary, India's energy security strategy is multifaceted, encompassing diversified import sources, strategic petroleum reserves, and a commitment to ensuring stable fuel supplies for its citizens amidst ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. The government's proactive measures aim to mitigate the impact of potential disruptions and maintain a steady flow of energy to meet the nation's growing demands.