India prevented household fuel shortages and transport queues by adopting a flexible, multi-source import strategy during the Strait of Hormuz disruption.
The success of this energy management plan is critical because the Strait of Hormuz is a primary global oil corridor. Any prolonged blockage threatens the energy security of import-dependent nations, potentially causing economic instability and domestic unrest.
M. K. Surana, former Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), said the crisis was unprecedented in terms of the longevity and extent of the disruptions. He said the strategy ensured there were "no empty kitchens, no fuel queues" [1].
The disruption has lasted for over three months and remained ongoing as of Monday [2]. This period of instability coincided with other energy pressures, including the expiration of a Russian oil purchase waiver in April 2026 [3].
To counter the blockade, India diversified its crude oil sources. Venezuela became India's third-largest crude oil supplier in May 2026 [4]. Additionally, the government established a trade pact with Oman as a "Plan B" to secure energy supplies [2].
Sushma Rawat, a former ONGC director, said India's coordinated response ensured a stable supply despite the country's import dependency. Rawat said the intervention resulted in minimal price shocks [5]. However, other reports indicated that the combination of the U.S. blockade and the expired Russian waiver created deepening energy worries and potential for price spikes [3].
Surana's assessment of the crisis management occurred during an interview on June 29, 2026 [1]. The strategy focused on maintaining a steady flow of fuel to households and transport services to prevent the social volatility typically associated with energy scarcity.
“No empty kitchens, no fuel queues.”
India's ability to pivot to suppliers like Venezuela and Oman demonstrates a strategic shift toward aggressive diversification to mitigate geopolitical risks. By reducing reliance on a single transit corridor, India is creating a template for energy resilience that allows the state to absorb supply shocks without immediate domestic price volatility or shortages.
