New Delhi: India is expected to receive more than 12 million barrels of crude oil from Venezuela this month, providing crucial support to the country’s energy needs amid ongoing disruptions in global oil supply.

The shipments are likely to arrive on India’s western coast and mark the highest level of Venezuelan crude imports since February 2020, according to data from commodity analytics firm Kpler.

This development comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in West Asia have significantly impacted global oil flows, particularly through key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for a major share of India’s energy imports.

India, which depends on imports to meet over 88% of its crude oil requirements, is increasingly turning to alternative suppliers to ensure energy security. The renewed inflow of Venezuelan oil is expected to strengthen India’s crude diversification strategy and ease supply concerns.

Analysts note that most of these cargo agreements were likely finalized before the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Bloomberg, citing Kpler analyst Sumit Ritolia, indicated that the shipments reflect strategic planning aimed at mitigating risks from geopolitical instability.

Although the volume represents only a portion of India’s overall crude imports, it is expected to provide short-term relief amid tightening global supply conditions.