New Delhi: The Government of India has intensified efforts to secure its energy needs by diversifying crude oil imports across 41 countries, even as domestic production of crude oil and natural gas remains largely stable.
Responding to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi stated that the government continuously monitors domestic production levels to assess energy security amid rising dependence on imports.
As per official data, India’s crude oil production stood at 29.18 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2022–23, marginally increasing to 29.36 MMT in 2023–24, before slightly declining to 28.71 MMT in 2024–25.
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Natural gas production, however, showed an upward trend, rising from 34.45 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2022–23 to 36.43 BCM in 2023–24, and stabilising at 36.13 BCM in 2024–25.
In view of geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia, the government has taken proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted crude oil supply. Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) in the oil and gas sector are sourcing crude from a wide range of countries based on commercial and technical considerations.
India now imports crude oil not only from traditional Middle Eastern suppliers but also from countries such as the United States, Nigeria, Angola, Canada, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico. This diversification strategy is aimed at reducing dependence on any single region and strengthening long-term energy security.
The government emphasised that such measures are critical to safeguarding the country against global supply disruptions and ensuring stable fuel availability for the economy.
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