India’s aggressive ethanol blending program, aimed at reducing crude oil imports, is raising concerns for vehicle owners. Vehicles designed for E10 fuel may experience a 1-2% drop in mileage with E20 blends, impacting millions manufactured between 2012 and March 2023. Automakers are urging tax incentives to offset this, while the government signals further intensification of…
Global oil demand is falling due to supply shortages, not high prices. This is a forced demand loss. Supply disruptions surged in March and April. Spare production capacity was unavailable. Global oil inventories declined significantly. Oil prices are not at extreme levels. The Middle East, Asia, and Africa saw the biggest demand drops. Petrochemicals and…
A liquefied natural gas shipment, the Mubaraz, appears to have successfully traversed the Strait of Hormuz after a two-month lull in traffic. The tanker, loaded in the UAE, reappeared west of India after its transponder went dark, signaling a potential easing of tensions that had tightened the global energy market and driven up prices.
A superyacht linked to sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov, the Nord, transited the Strait of Hormuz, a route severely restricted by Iran. The vessel, worth over $500 million, departed Dubai and arrived in Muscat, with its passage through the blockaded shipping lane raising questions. This event occurs amidst an uneasy ceasefire between the U.S. and…
Asian nations are grappling with prolonged energy supply strains due to the Middle East conflict, prompting governments to implement costly subsidies and fuel-use restrictions. Diversifying energy sources and tapping reserves are key strategies, but deeper trouble looms if disruptions persist, threatening economic stability and food security across the region.
India’s imports of Russian crude fell 20% month-on-month in April to 1.57 million barrels per day, cooling after a March surge driven by floating cargoes during the Iran conflict and a temporary US sanctions waiver.
Information on Russian oil imports to India is being withheld. The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell cited commercial and confidential reasons. The Central Information Commission supported this, citing strategic and economic interests. Details of crude oil imports between June 2022 and June 2025 remain undisclosed. The Commission also noted issues with the PPAC website’s transparency.
Reliance Industries navigated a volatile energy market in FY26 by diversifying crude sourcing and maintaining operational agility. The company replaced disrupted Persian Gulf contracts and worked on alternative routes for stranded crude, ensuring refinery operations were sustained amidst geopolitical challenges and cost swings.
Commuters in Andhra Pradesh face severe diesel shortages. Long queues have formed at petrol bunks for two days. Limited supply from oil companies is intensifying the crisis. Some fuel stations display ‘No Stock’ boards. Dealers warn of potential shutdowns if the situation persists. The disruption is causing significant public inconvenience across the state.
India is boosting Russian oil imports and reviving supplies from Africa, Iran, and Venezuela. This strategy aims to fill a crude oil gap caused by Middle East disruptions. Despite challenges, India has avoided fuel shortages seen elsewhere. Refiners are securing additional Russian oil under a US waiver. African and other alternative sources are proving useful.