India has resumed purchasing crude oil from Iran for the first time in nearly seven years, according to the country’s oil ministry announced Saturday.
The world’s third-largest oil consumer had avoided Iranian oil since May 2019 due to U.S. sanctions pressure, but ongoing Middle East conflicts disrupting supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz have forced the South Asian nation to seek alternative sources.
“Amid Middle East supply disruptions, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran; and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports,” the oil ministry stated on social media platform X.
The resumption became possible after the United States temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian petroleum products last month to address supply shortages affecting global markets.
Ministry officials confirmed that India has successfully secured adequate crude oil supplies for upcoming months through diversified sourcing strategies.
“India imports crude oil from 40-plus countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources and geographies based on commercial considerations,” the ministry explained.
In addition to crude oil, India recently received 44,000 metric tons of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas delivered by a previously sanctioned vessel. The shipment arrived at Mangalore port on Wednesday and is currently being unloaded, according to ministry officials.
