Government assures adequate crude inventories amid disruptions in West Asia imports

Rashmi Pandey — Mon, 18 May 2026 10:33:44 +0000

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Monday said India’s refineries are operating normally and the country has sufficient crude inventories despite continuing disruptions caused by the prolonged crisis in West Asia and instability around the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing a press conference, Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains “not normal” more than two-and-a-half months after the crisis in West Asia began.

She stated that international prices of crude oil, natural gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) have risen sharply due to continuing regional tensions and disruptions in global energy movement.

“It has been more than two-and-a-half months since the West Asia crisis began, and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is still not normal,” Sharma said.

According to the ministry, India’s imports of crude oil, LPG and natural gas have also been affected because of the instability in the region and concerns over maritime trade routes.

However, Sharma assured that domestic refining operations remain stable and that adequate fuel inventories are available to manage supply requirements.

The statement comes amid growing global concern over energy security as tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States continue affecting oil transit routes across the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling a major share of global crude exports.

The Indian government has held multiple high-level meetings in recent weeks to review preparedness related to fuel supply, maritime security and economic stability. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier stated that India currently has adequate reserves and rolling stock of crude oil, natural gas and LPG to manage potential short-term disruptions.

Officials said the government is closely monitoring international developments and coordinating with energy companies, shipping agencies and refineries to ensure uninterrupted domestic supply.

Global oil markets have remained volatile due to fears of escalation in West Asia and possible disruption of shipping movement in the Gulf.

SujataSharma | Business Upturn

Government assures adequate crude inventories amid disruptions in West Asia imports