Indian refiners are increasing crude imports from Africa amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that are reshaping global energy flows. The shift comes as the Israeli-US conflict with Iranian forces leads buyers to diversify away from traditional Middle East suppliers …reports Africa News Desk
Indian refiners have increased crude imports from Africa after supplies from the Middle East were disrupted by the Israeli-US conflict with Iran, which has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Before the conflict escalated at the end of February, India, the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, depended heavily on crude supplies from the Gulf region. Since then, refiners have broadened their sourcing strategy, increasing purchases from Angola and Nigeria during April and May to offset supply shortages while continuing to import Russian oil.
The move reflects a wider effort by Indian refiners to reduce dependence on any single region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions that are affecting global energy markets.
The shift towards African crude had already begun earlier this year as Indian companies sought to lower reliance on Russian supplies amid continuing uncertainty over sanctions and shipping risks. In April, Nigeria shipped its first cargo of Cawthorne crude to India, a 950,000-barrel consignment destined for Sikka port. The shipment was seen as a sign of Africa’s growing importance in India’s energy diversification strategy.
At the same time, Indian Oil Corporation secured about six million barrels of crude from West African and Middle Eastern producers for April delivery as refiners sought to strengthen supply security and expand sourcing options.
India also temporarily halted purchases from Iraq after the conflict disrupted exports. Meanwhile, Indian refiners resumed imports of Iranian crude for the first time in seven years after Washington granted a temporary waiver intended to stabilise global oil prices.
Russian oil imports also fluctuated during the period. Imports from Russia fell sharply in March, declining about 29.4% to 1.6 million barrels per day after Nayara Energy shut its 400,000-barrel-per-day refinery for maintenance. Preliminary Kpler data indicate Russian supplies recovered to around 1.9 million barrels per day in May, while Iraqi imports are expected to resume at roughly 41,000 barrels per day.
India imported 4.57 million barrels per day of crude in April, unchanged from March but 15.5% lower than the same period last year, according to trade data. Imports from the United Arab Emirates rose sharply in April to about 669,700 barrels per day from 230,600 barrels per day in March, while Saudi Arabian supplies remained largely steady at around 619,500 barrels per day.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have become increasingly important suppliers because they are among the few Gulf producers with pipeline infrastructure capable of bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Other major exporters, including Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, remain heavily dependent on the waterway for overseas shipments.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of the world’s oil trade and has become a major pressure point since the conflict escalated earlier this year. Analysts have warned that prolonged disruption could continue to reshape global energy flows and place additional strain on large importers such as India.
India has already been exploring alternative supply routes and emergency measures since March, when officials began assessing the risks of prolonged disruption in the Gulf. The country later confirmed it had secured enough crude supplies for about 60 days despite shipping difficulties linked to the conflict.
Russia remained India’s largest oil supplier during the period, followed by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Brazil ranked fourth in April, although Venezuela is expected to become India’s fourth-largest supplier in May as refiners continue shifting towards alternative crude sources.
