India does not require permission from any country to purchase Russian crude and will continue sourcing oil wherever it is available at competitive prices, a senior government official said, as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz raise concerns over global energy supplies.

The remarks come after the United States announced a temporary 30-day waiver allowing India to receive Russian oil cargoes already stranded at sea, a move aimed at easing pressure on global energy markets amid disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.

Officials said India’s energy procurement decisions are guided by national interest and market conditions. During the Ukraine conflict, India continued importing Russian crude despite pressure from the United States and the European Union, and purchases increased during that period.

The government also highlighted that India has diversified its crude sourcing significantly over the years, expanding the number of supplier countries from 27 to about 40. Officials said India’s refining capacity allows domestic refineries to process a wide range of crude grades, ensuring flexibility in sourcing supplies.

According to government data, India currently holds more than 250 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products, equivalent to roughly seven to eight weeks of buffer stocks. These reserves are distributed across strategic storage facilities, pipelines, terminals and cargoes already en route to Indian ports.

Government sources earlier said the country currently has around 50 days of fuel security, including about 25 days of crude oil stocks and another 25 days of refined petroleum products.

Officials added that India is exploring alternative suppliers for crude oil, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as the conflict in West Asia continues to affect shipping routes.

Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, have left several tankers stranded, affecting global energy flows.

Russia has indicated that it is prepared to divert around 9.5 million barrels of crude currently on vessels near Indian waters to India to help offset supply disruptions, according to reports. Qatar has also assured India that gas supplies will resume immediately once shipping routes through the strait reopen.

Officials maintained that despite the geopolitical tensions, India’s overall energy supply position remains stable and is being closely monitored.