{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.timecybermedia.com/Pages/business/Economy / Energy/as-oil-flow-through-strait-of-hormuz-halts-india-may-look-at-increasing-russian-crude-imports"},"headline":"As Oil Flow Through Strait of Hormuz Halts, India May Look at Increasing Russian Crude Imports","description":"With oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted amid the Iran-Israel war, India is assessing contingency plans to secure energy supplies. Officials indicate New Delhi may increase crude imports from Russia and diversify sourcing to cushion potential price shocks and supply bottlenecks.","image":["https://res.cloudinary.com/donttjaap/image/upload/v1772515817/primetime_news/opxksohimhibzvt2tv6x.jpg"],"datePublished":"2026-03-03T05:30:18.172Z","dateModified":"2026-03-03T05:30:18.172Z","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Riddhima Vashisht","url":"https://www.timecybermedia.com"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time Cyber Media","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.timecybermedia.com/logo.png"}},"articleSection":"business","articleBody":"

India Weighs Increasing Russian Oil Imports as Strait of Hormuz Flows Halt

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As tensions in West Asia intensify and oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz come to a halt, India is exploring alternative supply routes to protect its energy security. The disruption threatens a key maritime corridor through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes.

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Why Hormuz Matters for India

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India imports more than 80% of its crude oil requirements, with a significant portion sourced from Gulf producers whose shipments transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Any prolonged closure could lead to supply shortages, higher freight costs and a spike in global oil prices, directly impacting India’s inflation and fiscal stability.

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Russian Oil as a Buffer

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Officials and energy analysts suggest that India may further ramp up purchases of discounted Russian crude, which has already become a major component of India’s import basket since 2022. Russian supplies, largely shipped via alternative sea routes, offer a partial hedge against disruptions in the Gulf region.

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Diversification and Strategic Reserves

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India is also expected to tap its strategic petroleum reserves if required, while increasing procurement from other producers such as the United States, Africa and Latin America. Refiners are reportedly evaluating crude blends to ensure compatibility with existing refinery configurations.

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Impact on Domestic Economy

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A sustained disruption in Hormuz could raise fuel prices, widen the current account deficit and strain government finances due to higher subsidy burdens. Policymakers are closely monitoring global benchmarks such as Brent crude and assessing measures to stabilise domestic markets.

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While officials have stressed that India has adequate short-term supplies, contingency planning remains underway as geopolitical uncertainty continues in the region.