India Moves Swiftly to Secure Energy Supplies Amid Fragile Gulf Ceasefire

New Delhi: India has moved rapidly to strengthen its energy security following the temporary two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, a development that has eased immediate tensions in the Gulf but left global markets wary of renewed disruption.

The Gulf region, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply, has remained at the centre of recent geopolitical volatility. Weeks of military escalation and threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had triggered fears of supply disruptions, sending global crude prices sharply higher. While the ceasefire has brought short-term relief, policymakers remain cautious, with India stepping up measures to shield itself from future shocks.

For India, one of the world’s largest energy importers, even a brief interruption in crude and LPG supplies can have far-reaching economic consequences. With a significant share of its crude oil and cooking gas imports routed through the Gulf, New Delhi has launched a multi-pronged strategy aimed at securing supplies, diversifying sourcing, and strengthening emergency reserves.

One of the most immediate measures has been the resumption of energy imports from Iran, marking the first such move in nearly seven years. Following a temporary sanctions waiver, India has begun receiving Iranian crude and LPG cargoes, providing a timely boost to domestic supply. Industry reports indicate that tankers are already en route to Indian refineries and ports, helping stabilise inventories during the ceasefire window.

Iranian supplies are considered strategically significant due to their geographical proximity and cost competitiveness, enabling India to respond quickly during market disruptions.

At the same time, India is broadening its procurement strategy beyond Iran. Officials are increasing imports from Russia, West Africa, Latin America and other Gulf producers, ensuring that the country does not remain overly dependent on a single region or supplier. This diversification is aimed at reducing vulnerability to renewed instability in the Strait of Hormuz and wider geopolitical risks.

A key pillar of India’s response is the strengthening of its Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR). The country’s underground crude storage caverns, along with existing refinery stocks, are estimated to provide cover for nearly eight weeks of consumption, though policy experts have recommended expanding this buffer to 90 days.

During the current ceasefire, India is accelerating the filling of these reserves, taking advantage of the recent easing in global oil prices to build a stronger safety cushion in case hostilities resume.

Shipping security has also become a major priority. Despite the temporary truce, the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive maritime chokepoints, through which a substantial share of India’s energy imports passes. Authorities are working to ensure the safe movement of cargo vessels, including close coordination with maritime agencies and enhanced logistical planning at major ports.

A significant sign of this effort came on Thursday when the India-flagged LPG tanker Green Asha safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and reached Jawaharlal Nehru Port near Mumbai, carrying approximately 15,400 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas. Its arrival is being seen as a major boost to India’s supply chain resilience amid continuing regional uncertainty.

The successful transit of Green Asha underscores India’s round-the-clock efforts to ensure that households, industries and essential services do not face shortages, even as the geopolitical situation remains delicate.

While the ceasefire has provided breathing space, officials are aware that the relief may be temporary. India’s latest actions reflect a broader strategic shift towards resilience, supply diversification and long-term energy preparedness in an increasingly uncertain global environment