The vessels, BW Tyr and BW Elm, are expected to arrive in Mumbai on March 31 and New Mangalore on April 1, respectively, according to a statement from the petroleum ministry.The transit comes as shipping through the strategic chokepoint has been severely curtailed by the conflict, with Iran allowing passage only to what it has described as “non-hostile vessels” that coordinate with its authorities.

The two tankers are among a small number of Indian-flagged vessels to successfully navigate the strait in recent days. Four LPG carriers have already completed the crossing, while three more remain in the western section of the waterway, according to ship tracking data.

A total of 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers are still in the western Gulf region, the government said, underscoring continued exposure to maritime risks in the area.Energy dependence in focusIndia, the world’s second-largest importer of LPG, consumed 33.15 million tons of the fuel last year, with imports meeting roughly 60% of demand.

About 90% of these imports originate from the Middle East, making the Strait of Hormuz a critical artery for the country’s energy security.

Despite disruptions in maritime traffic, port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported, the government added.

The project marks a significant step in expanding the country’s refining capabilities while encouraging regional industrial growth.

The refinery will have a capacity of 180,000 to 240,000 barrels per day, backed by essential statutory approvals and 6,000 acres of land provided by the state government.

Construction and pre-project groundwork are already in progress, signaling a new era of investment in India’s southern energy corridor.

BPCL Chairman Sanjay Khanna, speaking at an industry event in Hyderabad, confirmed that the company is seeking additional strategic partners for the venture.

Oil India, traditionally known for its upstream operations, is diversifying into downstream sectors and is likely to take a 10% to 20% stake in the upcoming refinery.

This collaboration underscores India’s growing ambition to position itself as a global refining and petrochemical hub.

With energy demand steadily rising and consumption patterns evolving, such initiatives are crucial for meeting the country’s long-term energy security goals while reducing dependence on imported fuels.

The proposed petrochemical complex will feature an advanced 1.5-million-tonne ethylene cracker, serving as the backbone for downstream industries including plastics, packaging, and textiles.

It is expected to commence commercial operations by the fiscal year 2030, generating substantial employment opportunities and attracting investments across related industries.

India, currently the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels to power its economic growth.

Projects like the BPCL-Oil India refinery reflect the nation’s strategic approach of expanding domestic production while simultaneously investing in cleaner, more efficient refining technologies.

Oil India is also accelerating its downstream expansion through its subsidiary, Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), which is increasing its capacity in Assam to 180,000 barrels per day by March 2027.

This integrated approach across refineries is expected to strengthen supply chains and ensure consistent energy distribution across regions.

The Andhra Pradesh project will further complement national infrastructure plans, with BPCL and Oil India partnering on a 700-kilometer multi-product pipeline connecting Siliguri to Mughalsarai.

This pipeline will transport petrol, diesel, and jet fuel, enhancing the logistics network across India’s energy heartland. BPCL will hold a 50% stake in the project, while Oil India and NRL will share the remaining equity.

In addition, BPCL is expanding its focus on sustainability. The company has partnered with Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT) to market organic fertilizers produced from its Kochi biogas plant.

This collaboration reflects BPCL’s commitment to circular economy practices and renewable energy integration within its business model.

BPCL, India’s second-largest state-run refiner, currently operates three major refineries with a combined capacity of 706,000 barrels per day. With this new project, the company aims to consolidate its position as a leading force in South Asia’s refining and petrochemical sector.

Experts believe the refinery and petrochemical complex in Andhra Pradesh will play a pivotal role in driving industrialization, job creation, and export potential in southern India.

It will also support the government’s vision of transforming India into a global manufacturing and energy hub by the end of the decade.

By combining the expertise of BPCL and Oil India, the project not only strengthens India’s refining footprint but also reinforces the nation’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic development.

As work begins on this transformative venture, it stands as a testament to India’s growing confidence in shaping its own energy future.

Indian Oil Corporation posts a remarkable profit surge as stronger refining margins and lower crude costs fuel growth, reflecting India’s rising energy resilience and refining strength.

Indian Oil Corporation, the country’s largest refiner and fuel retailer, has reported a sharp rise in quarterly profit, driven by improved refining margins and reduced crude oil costs.

The company’s standalone net profit for the quarter ended September 30 soared to 76.10 billion rupees, a massive leap from 1.80 billion rupees during the same period last year.

The performance highlights the strength of India’s energy sector as it continues to adapt to global market fluctuations while maintaining domestic supply stability.

Revenue from operations grew 4% year-on-year to 2.03 trillion rupees, signaling strong performance across refining and marketing segments.

Meanwhile, total expenses declined by 1.5% to 1.94 trillion rupees, aided by a 7.5% drop in input costs. The improvement in profitability was mainly due to a stronger gross refining margin, which reflects the profit from processing crude oil into refined products.

For the April-September period, Indian Oil’s average gross refining margin rose to $6.32 per barrel from $4.08 per barrel a year ago.

During the September quarter, this margin climbed even higher to $10.6 per barrel, demonstrating the company’s efficiency and ability to capitalize on favorable crude dynamics.

Indian Oil, along with its subsidiary Chennai Petroleum Corporation, together manage around one-third of India’s total refining capacity of five million barrels per day.

This significant refining footprint makes Indian Oil a key player in ensuring the nation’s fuel security while also supporting export growth.

The company’s strategy to optimize operations and expand its refining network has allowed it to benefit from both domestic demand recovery and opportunities in global markets.

During the quarter, India’s overall fuel demand witnessed fluctuations, with a brief dip in July followed by a strong rebound in August and September.

The decline in global crude oil prices provided relief to refiners, improving profitability and margins. Indian refiners, including Indian Oil, have also stepped up gasoline and diesel exports, reaching their highest levels in several years.

This increase was driven by expanded crude processing capacity and enhanced ethanol blending programs, which reduced domestic consumption of traditional fuels and freed up volumes for overseas sales.

The positive performance also reflects the success of Indian Oil’s long-term strategy to balance domestic and international operations.

The company has been investing in upgrading refineries, adopting cleaner technologies, and expanding petrochemical integration to strengthen its margins.

These efforts align with India’s broader goal of achieving energy self-reliance while promoting environmentally responsible refining practices.

Peer comparisons show that Indian Oil remains competitively positioned within the sector. Analysts have maintained a “Buy” rating on the company’s stock, citing strong fundamentals and steady earnings growth.

In valuation terms, Indian Oil’s forward price-to-earnings ratio stands at 9, with an EV/EBITDA of 6.78, reflecting investor confidence.

The company’s revenue is projected to grow by 1%, while profit growth estimates stand at a robust 25.7% over the next 12 months.

Other major refiners such as Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum also posted strong numbers, benefiting from similar market trends.

However, Indian Oil’s extensive refining base and diversified product mix have given it a strategic edge. Compared with private players like Reliance Industries, Indian Oil continues to maintain a strong presence in the public sector, serving both industrial clients and retail consumers across India’s vast geography.

The company’s steady dividend yield and strong balance sheet further reinforce its appeal to investors. Despite global uncertainties, Indian Oil’s prudent financial management, coupled with consistent operational improvements, ensures resilience against external shocks.

The stock has shown stable performance through July to September, mirroring confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.

Indian Oil plans to continue investing in refinery modernization and expanding its green energy initiatives, including biofuels, hydrogen, and electric mobility solutions. These steps aim to future-proof the business and align it with India’s long-term sustainability goals.

The company’s leadership emphasized that the strong quarterly results underscore the effectiveness of its strategic initiatives and operational discipline.

As global crude markets remain volatile, Indian Oil’s ability to maintain profitability while supporting the nation’s energy demand showcases its importance to India’s industrial and economic stability.

Indian Oil’s remarkable turnaround this quarter stands as a testament to the strength of India’s refining sector. With efficient operations, prudent cost management, and growing export capabilities, the company has positioned itself as a key driver of India’s energy transition and economic growth.

As refining margins remain favorable and domestic fuel consumption continues to recover, Indian Oil is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the country’s energy landscape.

TotalEnergies and its international partners have officially lifted force majeure on the $20 billion Mozambique LNG project

This development marks a significant step forward for the country’s energy ambitions, four years after the project was halted due to regional instability.

The decision comes after continuous engagement with the Mozambican government and partners to ensure safety, sustainability, and economic viability. The relaunch of the project signals renewed confidence in Mozambique’s stability and its potential as one of the world’s emerging natural gas hubs.

TotalEnergies, which leads the project, has emphasized that the next stage will move ahead once the updated budget and schedule are approved by Mozambique’s council of ministers. This ensures that the project will resume under optimized financial and operational conditions.

The Mozambique LNG venture is expected to begin production in 2029 and will deliver around 13 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas annually. This production capacity will contribute significantly to meeting global clean energy needs and enhancing Africa’s role in the energy transition.

Despite the temporary pause, the project has already secured long-term contracts for nearly 90% of its future output. Buyers include major international companies such as China’s CNOOC, France’s EDF, and Britain’s Shell, reflecting strong global confidence in the project’s long-term potential.

Local benefits are a key focus, with Mozambique’s state energy firm ENH set to receive a portion of the gas, ensuring that national development remains central to the project’s goals. The government aims to use LNG revenue to improve infrastructure, create jobs, and stimulate social development.

TotalEnergies has highlighted that while costs have risen due to security and logistical challenges, the collaborative approach with partners such as Bharat Petroleum, Mitsui, ENI, and ExxonMobil ensures that the project remains financially sound. The consortium’s diverse shareholder base underscores the international commitment to Mozambique’s energy success.

Safety remains a top priority as the remaining phases of construction will take place in containment mode, with workers entering the site by air or sea to maintain a secure environment. This careful planning will allow operations to progress while maintaining the highest security standards.

Mozambique’s vast offshore gas reserves have the potential to transform the country into a leading global energy exporter. With the support of international stakeholders, the LNG project is expected to attract further foreign investment and strengthen Mozambique’s economic foundations.

The revival of the Mozambique LNG project also aligns with global efforts to expand cleaner energy sources. As natural gas emits fewer emissions compared to coal and oil, the project contributes to a sustainable energy transition that benefits both regional and global markets.

TotalEnergies’ renewed commitment sends a strong message of resilience and partnership. The relaunch not only represents progress for Mozambique but also highlights the importance of collaboration in overcoming challenges and advancing toward a cleaner, more secure energy future.

Reliance Industries, India’s leading private refiner, is set to recalibrate its Russian oil imports in full compliance with government guidelines. State-owned refiners, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, are also reviewing their supply chains to ensure smooth transitions, demonstrating India’s commitment to international trade norms and energy security.

The adjustments will allow India to expand procurement from alternative markets, including the Middle East and other global suppliers, maintaining steady crude supplies while enhancing long-term energy resilience. Analysts estimate that the change will have a minimal impact on the overall import bill, reflecting efficient planning and cost management.

By diversifying sources, Indian refiners are strengthening the country’s energy independence and reducing risks associated with relying heavily on a single supplier. This approach also provides new opportunities to explore competitive global markets and adopt best practices in supply chain management.

The move comes at a time when India is negotiating trade agreements with the U.S., and realignment of oil imports could help facilitate favorable outcomes for Indian exporters. By proactively adjusting trade practices, India demonstrates flexibility and foresight in balancing domestic needs with global obligations.

Industry experts highlight that India’s ability to source crude from multiple regions will safeguard domestic supply while supporting continued economic growth. The strategy ensures uninterrupted refinery operations and contributes to stable energy prices, benefiting both industries and consumers nationwide.

Indian refiners are also exploring innovative financial arrangements to maintain smooth operations and access global capital markets. By leveraging strong regulatory compliance and market insights, India’s energy sector is poised to remain robust and competitive in the global arena.

Overall, the strategic recalibration of oil imports reflects India’s proactive approach to energy security, trade cooperation, and economic stability. By diversifying supply sources and aligning with international norms, the country is setting a positive course for sustainable growth and strengthened global partnerships.