New Delhi: Russia is ready to fully meet India’s energy requirements in the event of prolonged disruptions to oil and gas supplies triggered by the escalating tensions in West Asia, an official from the Embassy of the Russian Federation said on Monday.
The assurance from Moscow gains added urgency as QatarEnergy suspended liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and related products on March 2 after an Iranian drone struck critical infrastructure at Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City.
“We are ready to fulfill demands of India’s energy needs in case of continued disruption of energy supplies,” the official told PTI.
Energy markets have also been unsettled by Iran’s decision to block the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil and gas shipments. The move has raised fears of delays and shortages in international trade.
India relies heavily on West Asia for a significant portion of its crude oil and LNG imports. However, in recent years, New Delhi has broadened its supplier base.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has sought to reassure the public, stating that the country currently holds sufficient reserves of crude oil and petroleum products. These include petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), which are expected to cushion the impact of any short-term disruption.
The ministry emphasised that India has strengthened its energy security strategy by diversifying supply sources. Officials noted that Indian energy firms now have access to shipments that do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing vulnerability to regional instability.
