Reduce dependence on foreign energy! India ramps up domestic crude oil exploration

Amid recent intensifying fluctuations in international energy transport corridors, India has officially ramped up its domestic oil and gas resource development efforts. By simultaneously expanding the scope of domestic crude oil exploration and broadening overseas import channels, it aims to alleviate energy supply pressure and reduce dependence on crude oil imports.

According to a report by Agence France-Presse, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, stated publicly that restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz has placed pressure on India’s energy supply recently, driving the acceleration of its domestic energy self-reliance strategy. Currently, India is actively promoting the bidding and development of approximately 250,000 square kilometers of unexplored oil and gas areas, comprehensively expanding the scale of domestic crude oil exploration and production to enhance local energy supply capabilities.

Data indicates that India’s domestic crude oil production capacity has been in a long-term state of contraction, with output falling significantly from its peak. In fiscal year 2025, India’s domestic crude oil production was only 25.98 million tons, equivalent to a daily output of 522,000 barrels, far below the historical peak of over 900,000 barrels per day in 2011. Currently, domestic production capacity meets only about 10% of the country’s crude oil demand, leaving external energy dependence persistently high.

To hedge against international energy market volatility and ensure supply chain stability, India is simultaneously accelerating the diversification of its import channels. The number of crude oil supplier countries has expanded from the original 27 to 41, adding key oil-producing nations such as Iran and Venezuela. At the same time, it continues to increase crude oil purchases from Russia and multiple African countries. By diversifying import sources, it aims to mitigate risks associated with single channels and ensure the stable operation of the domestic refining and energy consumption markets.