Middle East on boil: Russia says ready to help India with energy supplies in case of disruption – The Times of India

Russia on Tuesday indicated that it is ready to support India with energy supplies in case of any disruption arising from the ongoing crisis Middle East, amid increasing global concerns around impact of Gulf tensions on energy supplies and prices. Reuters citing sources said, “Russia is ready to help India with energy supplies in case of disruption due to Gulf crisis.”The statement comes as India continues to closely monitor developments in the Middle East, where hostilities between the US and Iran have intensified, affecting trade, shipping lanes, and energy markets.Iran in its retaliatory strikes has targeted countries across regions including oil refineries and production sites. It has also closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz for all commercial activities, with IRGC warning any ship passing through will be set on fire. Petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday said India has sufficient reserves of crude oil and petroleum products to manage short-term disruptions. “The trilemma of energy availability, affordability and sustainability continues to guide India’s approach, focused on meeting the energy requirements of our citizens,” Puri told the media.ANI citing sources said, India holds about 25 days’ worth of crude oil and 25 days’ worth of petrol and diesel stocks, amounting to roughly eight weeks of total inventory. Only 40% of the country’s crude imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, while the remaining 60% comes from other sources. Indian energy firms continue to import Russian crude under existing contracts, providing an additional buffer.The minister noted that India has diversified its crude sourcing over the past few years to reduce vulnerability to regional disruptions. Public sector oil marketing companies maintain adequate fuel inventories, and strategic petroleum reserves serve as an extra cushion against potential supply shocks.The ministry of petroleum and natural gas has established a 24×7 control room to monitor fuel stocks and supply positions nationwide. Senior officials and heads of public sector energy companies attended the briefing, which focused on India’s preparedness strategy in light of the Gulf crisis, according to ET.Government sources emphasized that India’s top priorities remain uninterrupted fuel availability, protection of consumer interests, and the well-being of nearly one crore Indian nationals living and working in the Gulf region.“The government remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any potential disruption,” the ministry said, highlighting ongoing coordination with domestic and international partners to safeguard energy security.Middle East on boil: Russia says ready to help India with energy supplies in case disruptions