Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Chief Flags Risks in India’s Middle East Energy Dependence
By Cygnus | 10 Apr 2026
Summary
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Chairman Arun Kumar Singh cautioned against over-reliance on geographically proximate energy sources.
- India continues to depend heavily on crude imports, with a large share sourced from the Middle East.
- The remarks underscore the need to diversify supply sources and strengthen domestic exploration and reserves.
NEW DELHI, April 10, 2026 — India’s long-standing assumption that geographic proximity to the Middle East ensures energy security needs reassessment, according to Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and CEO of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.
Rethinking the "Proximity" Advantage
Speaking at an industry forum, Singh highlighted that while the Middle East has historically been a reliable supplier due to its proximity, evolving geopolitical dynamics and supply disruptions in recent years demonstrate that proximity alone does not guarantee uninterrupted access.
India imports a significant majority of its crude oil requirements, with West Asia remaining a key supplier. However, supply chains are increasingly influenced by geopolitical developments, shipping risks, and global demand shifts.
Push for Diversification and Domestic Output
Singh emphasized that India must continue diversifying its energy sourcing strategy, including expanding imports from regions such as the Americas, Russia, and Africa, while simultaneously strengthening domestic exploration and production.
He also underlined the importance of accelerating offshore exploration and improving recovery from existing fields to reduce structural dependence on imports over the long term.
Strategic Resilience Measures
The remarks align with India’s broader policy direction of enhancing energy resilience through measures such as expanding Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR), increasing refining flexibility, and investing in alternative energy sources.
Industry experts note that building redundancy across supply chains—rather than relying on a single region—has become a central pillar of energy security planning.
Why this matters
- Import Dependence: India imports over 85% of its crude oil, exposing it to global disruptions.
- Geopolitical Risk: Concentration of supply in one region increases vulnerability to external shocks.
- Energy Strategy Shift: Focus is moving toward diversification, domestic output, and strategic reserves.
FAQs
Q1. Is India moving away from Middle East oil?
No. The region will remain a key supplier, but India is diversifying sources to reduce risk.
Q2. Why is diversification important?
It helps mitigate disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, shipping constraints, or supply shocks.
Q3. What role do Strategic Petroleum Reserves play?
They act as emergency buffers, allowing India to maintain supply during temporary disruptions.