India Open to Energy Imports from All Sources, Confirms Puri
India continues to diversify its energy sources, Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has announced that the country remains open to importing energy from all available sources at the lowest rates. Speaking ahead of the Indian Energy Week 2025, Puri highlighted the country’s efforts to ensure a stable energy supply, allaying concerns over the potential impact of US sanctions on energy imports from Russia.
The announcement comes at a crucial time as India seeks to secure more natural gas and oil supplies to meet its growing energy demand, which is expected to rise in the coming years. Puri reassured the nation that the energy ministry has already increased the number of suppliers to 39, with Argentina being one of the latest additions to the list. “Today we have increased our suppliers from 27 to 39, and we are open to buying energy from all sources. We are issuing tenders for energy importation that are open to any supplier, and we aim to buy from the cheapest available source,” said Puri during his press briefing.
In the wake of the ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States, many experts were concerned about the impact on India’s energy supplies. Puri, however, sought to ease these concerns, stating that India’s diversified supplier base would protect the nation from any supply disruptions. India has steadily expanded its energy import sources, and Puri noted that the country is not reliant on any single supplier. This diversification is particularly important as India looks to build long-term energy security amid global uncertainties. Puri also addressed the rising global natural gas prices, expressing confidence that prices will decrease by 2026 due to an expected increase in gas availability. “We expect gas prices to come down in the near future, and by 2026, there will be a significant increase in the availability of natural gas globally,” he said. India is exploring options to increase imports from key suppliers like Qatar, a major gas exporter.
Apart from international imports, Puri shared insights into India’s domestic energy plans. He revealed that domestic oil marketing firms are exploring more gas options as part of their strategy to meet energy needs affordably. One key development is the government’s push to make piped natural gas more accessible to households. Puri stated that LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) saturation in the country is nearly complete, and the focus is now shifting to providing piped natural gas to homes as it is 30% cheaper than LPG. This shift reflects India’s broader energy strategy, which aims to reduce reliance on imported oil and gas while promoting cleaner energy alternatives. The use of piped natural gas is expected to reduce household costs significantly, benefiting millions of households across the country.
India’s energy policy is also geared towards securing energy assets for the long term. Minister Puri indicated that the government will soon hold the next round of sales for oil and gas assets, which is expected to enhance India’s energy security by encouraging private investments in the sector. Puri’s statements underscore India’s commitment to meeting its energy demands through a mix of domestic production, international imports, and alternative energy sources. The government’s efforts to diversify suppliers, ensure affordable energy pricing, and expand access to cleaner energy options reflect a comprehensive approach to securing the nation’s energy future.
As India moves forward with its energy plans, the importance of maintaining energy security and affordability will be crucial in supporting the nation’s growing economy. Puri’s assurances on increasing natural gas availability, diversifying suppliers, and expanding domestic infrastructure set a positive tone for India’s energy future. With increasing investments and technological advancements in energy solutions, India’s energy landscape looks set for a transformative shift over the coming decades. India’s evolving energy strategy, which includes diversifying suppliers and improving domestic infrastructure, will play a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth. As demand for energy continues to grow, particularly in urban areas, the focus will be on ensuring that energy remains affordable, reliable, and sustainable for all. Puri’s statements at the Indian Energy Week signal an optimistic outlook for the future, with India poised to become a key player in the global energy market.
