India Diversifies Oil Imports to Latin America and Africa Amid Gulf Supply Disruptions

India has stepped up crude oil imports from alternative regions including Latin America and Africa after disruptions in supply routes linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The move reflects a broader effort by Indian refiners to secure stable energy flows amid volatility in traditional Middle Eastern supply corridors.

State-run and private refiners in India have increasingly turned to producers in countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, Angola, and Nigeria, seeking to diversify sourcing and reduce exposure to geopolitical risks. These purchases are helping maintain adequate inventories and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets.

The shift comes as heightened uncertainty in the Gulf region has raised concerns over shipping security and freight costs, prompting buyers across Asia to reassess their import strategies. For India, which depends heavily on crude imports, supply diversification has become a key priority in energy planning.

While short-term costs and logistics challenges have increased, the strategy is expected to improve resilience in the long run. Energy planners view the diversification push as part of a broader effort to strengthen supply security and reduce vulnerability to disruptions in any single transit route or producing region.