India seeks to trim crude import dependence
But ambitious government production targets cannot reverse years of underinvestment and mismanagement
India has been one of the fastest-growing major economies over the last ten years, and this trend is likely to continue. Its expanding economy is also highly dependent on imported crude. In the financial year ending 31 March 2022, the country imported 85.6pc of its crude. that import dependence makes India especially vulnerable to international price shocks. Conversely, even a 1pc reduction in import volumes—through, for example, domestic substitution—would save India $1.406bn, based on volume and prices over the last 12 months. Declining crude production India is not endowed with huge oil reserves but has also not been able to effectively tap the resources it does have or make new discoveri
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub






