HPCL Turns to Nigerian Crude to Bypass Middle East Supply Bottlenecks

The newly acquired cargo is destined for the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited, a facility capable of processing 180,000 barrels per day. This purchase highlights a broader trend among Indian state refiners, who are actively diversifying their supplier base to mitigate the impact of regional conflicts that have left term-contract shipments stranded in the Persian Gulf.

India, the world’s third-largest crude importer, has faced significant logistical hurdles since the onset of the war in Iran. HPCL managing director Vikas Kaushal noted that supply chains were severely compromised in the first quarter, with many contracted cargoes unable to clear the Strait of Hormuz. While India has aggressively increased its intake of Russian oil—reaching record levels in July—refiners are now exploring markets as distant as Angola and Venezuela to ensure consistent feedstock for their operations.