India’s crude imports from Oman surged 646 percent year-on-year in March 2026 as refiners shifted sourcing strategies amid severe disruptions in Gulf oil flows caused by the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz tensions.
Imports from Oman rose to $545.72 million in March from $73.14 million a year earlier, even as crude purchases from Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United States declined sharply during the month.
The sharp rise in Omani crude purchases highlights India’s efforts to secure alternative and relatively accessible Gulf supply routes during heightened regional shipping uncertainty. Oman’s strategic Arabian Sea location outside the Strait of Hormuz made its cargoes more viable during the crisis.
India’s overall crude oil imports fell 35.5 percent year-on-year in March to $9.53 billion as the Iran conflict disrupted global energy trade and reduced Middle East oil flows. Russian crude remained India’s largest import source, while refiners increasingly diversified toward alternative suppliers to maintain energy security.