Kamal Ghorui
Union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri has assured that oil imports to India are continuing smoothly through alternative routes as the Middle East conflict enters its second week and concerns are growing over the country’s energy supplies. The minister, on social media platform X, confirmed that inflows are “full flow from all non-Hormuz routes” and requirements of all citizens are also fulfilled.Speaking to reporters, he talked about government’s strategy to manage energy availability, affordability and sustainability amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Minister Puri later shared details of the interaction on X, stressing that there was no cause for concern regarding supplies. “In my excellent interaction with members of the media fraternity today, we discussed how India is navigating the trilemma of energy availability, affordability and sustainability even in the face of the current geopolitical challenges. Energy imports into the country are in full flow from all Non-Hormuz routes.”
Talking about ongoing worries surrounding the inflows, the minister confirmed, “the energy requirements of our citizens are being fully met. India is in a comfortable position. There is no room for anxiety or speculation in this regard.”Officials also indicated that India has received assurances from Qatar regarding liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. According to government sources, the country has been informed that deliveries will resume immediately once the shipping route reopens. “We are assured by Qatar that they will start supplying to India on the very first minute once the route is open,” the sources said.Authorities added that India currently has adequate LNG reserves and continues to receive offers from multiple countries willing to supply the fuel. “We have surplus stock of LNG” and “We have got offer of LNG from a large number of countries,” officials said.The disruption in supplies from Qatar has largely been linked to the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with open seas. The route has been significantly affected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, United States and Israel.However, officials suggested that movement of cargo vessels near the strait could resume soon.Government sources said the “cargo movement near the Strait of Hormuz may start soon,” adding that the development follows a statement from Iran indicating it would not target neighbouring countries unless attacked from their territory.Officials further noted that India has worked to reduce risks to its energy supply chain by diversifying import routes and lowering dependence on the volatile Strait of Hormuz.
