Indian refiners rush to secure crude through November amid Russia-Middle East supply worries

CommodityGeopolitics Impact 4
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Indian state-owned refiners are securing spot crude further ahead than usual amid concerns that global oil supply could face greater uncertainty from Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Sources said Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation have already bought some cargoes for delivery through October and are seeking barrels for delivery as far out as November, a departure from the normal pattern in which Indian state refiners typically buy spot crude only one to two months ahead. The accelerated buying by India, the world's third-largest oil importer, reflects supply security concerns, especially for Russian oil, which accounts for roughly half of state refiners' purchases. Russian volumes have fallen to their lowest since May after Ukraine launched several waves of attacks on energy infrastructure and ports, while Middle Eastern supply remains below normal levels amid stalled talks between the United States and Iran and reports that Iran attacked two United Arab Emirates vessels on Friday. Hindustan Petroleum bought about 4 million barrels of Middle Eastern crude for October delivery, choosing sources that can be shipped without passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals booked West African crude, and Indian Oil is seeking additional barrels. Another factor is the risk of US sanctions on countries buying Russian oil and gas after the US Senate passed legislation that would allow high tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy, even though it has not yet taken effect. Indian state refiners normally source about half of their crude through term contracts and do not need to buy spot more than two months ahead, but the supply risks come as India enters a season of stronger oil demand from festivals starting in September, while refinery expansions this year will add more than 500,000 barrels per day of refining capacity, forcing refiners to lock in supply earlier and diversify import sources.

Impact on stocks 0

Theme Impact 2

Off-coverage companies 3

Hindustan Petroleum CorporationPrivate▲ Positive
Demandrelevance

HPCL actively securing crude for October, indicating strong demand for its refining operations.

Indian Oil CorporationPrivate▲ Positive
Demandrelevance

IOC seeking additional barrels for November, reflecting increased procurement activity.

Mangalore Refinery and PetrochemicalsPrivate▲ Positive
Demandrelevance

MRPL booked West African crude, showing active buying to secure supply.

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