India's Strategic Approach to Energy Crises: Lessons from Ukraine and Iran
Straight Talk | From Ukraine To Iran War: India Has Learnt To Handle Energy Crises
News 18
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India has adeptly navigated energy crises stemming from the Ukraine conflict and tensions with Iran by absorbing shocks at the government level and maintaining stable fuel prices. This approach has allowed India to secure crucial energy supplies while minimizing consumer impact, showcasing its strategic diversification in energy sourcing.
- 01India's crude imports from Russia surged from less than 2% to nearly 40% post-Ukraine invasion.
- 02The Indian government cut excise duties on petrol and diesel to shield consumers from rising prices.
- 03India resumed crude imports from Iran after a seven-year hiatus, leveraging diplomatic ties.
- 04The excise duty cuts could reduce central revenues by approximately ₹1.6-1.8 trillion (roughly $19.3-$22 billion USD).
- 05India's diversified energy sourcing strategy has helped it avoid domestic fuel crises during global energy shocks.
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India has demonstrated a proactive approach to managing energy crises, particularly during the geopolitical turmoil following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and ongoing tensions with Iran. After the Ukraine conflict, India capitalized on discounted Russian crude, increasing its imports from less than 2% to nearly 40%, saving an estimated $5.1 billion in oil costs for 2022-23. In response to rising global oil prices, the Indian government, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, enacted a significant cut in central excise duties on petrol and diesel, reducing the petrol duty from ₹13 to ₹3 per litre and eliminating the diesel duty entirely. This move is projected to decrease central revenues by approximately ₹1.6-1.8 trillion (around $19.3-$22 billion USD), reflecting a willingness to absorb fiscal costs to protect consumers. Concurrently, India resumed imports of Iranian crude and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) after a seven-year gap, leveraging its diplomatic relationships. This contrasts sharply with neighboring Pakistan, which faces severe energy shortages and has implemented austerity measures amidst rising fuel prices. India's diversified energy sourcing strategy, involving over 40 suppliers and expanded refining capacity, has allowed it to navigate these challenges without inciting panic or domestic fuel crises, showcasing a rare resilience for a large emerging market.
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India's strategic energy policies aim to stabilize fuel prices for consumers, mitigating the impact of global price fluctuations.
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