India Resumes Iranian Crude Oil Imports After Seven-Year Hiatus

New Delhi. India has purchased crude oil from Iran for the first time in seven years. This move comes as India seeks to secure supplies amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia. According to the Indian Ministry of Petroleum, Indian refineries have secured oil from Iran following disruptions in supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

India is the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer. This marks the first time India has sourced oil from Iran since May 2019, when imports were halted due to pressure from the United States. "Amid supply disruptions in West Asia, Indian refineries have secured the necessary crude oil, including from Iran. There are no payment issues regarding Iranian oil imports," the ministry stated via social media.

Last month, the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil and refined fuels to mitigate supply shortages. The ministry confirmed that India has fully arranged for its crude oil requirements for the coming months. India imports oil from over 40 countries, and companies have the autonomy to purchase from various sources on a commercial basis.

Meanwhile, India has also purchased 44,000 metric tons of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from Iran. The ministry reported that the vessel carrying the gas arrived at Mangalore port on Wednesday, and offloading operations are currently underway.