India imports 88 percent of its crude oil and the Strait of Hormuz still carries roughly a third of those imports. Examine India’s energy-security strategy under the West Asia stress test.

Introduction:

India imports about 88-89 percent of its crude, burning roughly 5.5 million barrels a day in 2026. The Strait of Hormuz — only 33 km wide at its narrowest — carries about 20 million b/d, a fifth of world petroleum-liquids trade, making it India's single most consequential chokepoint.

Hormuz exposure: India took 30-40 percent of crude via Hormuz in February-March 2026 during the West Asia stress test. By March 2026, about 70 percent of crude was arriving from outside the Strait — up from 55 percent a year earlier — sourced from 40 countries, including expanded West African, Latin American and US barrels.

Diversification levers: Russia remains the top supplier at about 30-35 percent (post-sanctions); US imports rose 31 percent year-on-year in December 2025; West African (Angola, Nigeria) and Latin American (Brazil, Guyana) volumes grew; UAE and Saudi remain anchor partners. Long-term LNG contracts with Qatar and the US, plus pipeline gas explorations, hedge gas demand.

Strategic reserves and infrastructure: The 5.33 MMT Strategic Petroleum Reserve at Visakhapatnam, Mangalore and Padur (Phase I) is being expanded with Chandikhol and Padur Phase II; LNG terminals are tripling capacity; PM Surya Ghar (rooftop solar) and the 500 GW non-fossil 2030 target reduce structural demand. The PM Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 substitutes biomass with LPG at the demand floor.

Way forward / Conclusion:

Expand the SPR to 90-day IEA cover, accelerate biofuels (E20 by 2025), operationalise the National Green Hydrogen Mission and treat critical-mineral access as energy-security adjacency — converting import dependence into resilience.