SEEPCO supplies 6 million barrels of Nigerian crude to Indian refiners
New Delhi, June 16
With concerns over oil supply disruptions in the Gulf region amid the West Asia crisis, India's state-run refiners sourced crude oil from Nigeria to help diversify supplies.
Between March and May 2026, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) received nearly six million barrels of crude oil from Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), a Nigeria-based oil producer led by entrepreneur Nitin Sandesara.
The crude was produced from SEEPCO's Okwuibome field in Nigeria and shipped to India through Atlantic routes, avoiding the risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit corridors.
The supplies provided Indian refiners with an alternative source of crude at a time when global energy markets were facing increased uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions and concerns over potential disruptions to oil shipments from the Gulf region.
SEEPCO said the deliveries highlight the importance of diversified supply sources in maintaining energy security. The company also noted that the transaction marks its renewed engagement with India's public-sector refining companies.
SEEPCO is an Indian-owned oil producer operating in Nigeria, an OPEC member country. The company supplies crude oil to international markets, including India, and says its operations support India's long-term goal of securing reliable and diversified energy supplies.
Industry observers say the six-million-barrel shipment demonstrates the value of overseas production assets and long-term commercial partnerships in ensuring stable energy supplies during periods of global uncertainty.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Smart move! The West Asia crisis is no joke and the Strait of Hormuz is like a choke point for our energy needs. Sourcing from Nigeria via Atlantic routes reduces risk. But I hope we're also investing in renewable energy so we aren't so vulnerable to such global turmoil in the future. 🚢⚡
Good diversification, but the real question is pricing. Was this crude bought at market rates or did we pay a premium because of the crisis? The article doesn't mention costs. We need transparency in such deals, especially when public sector money is involved. Other than that, kudos for strategic planning. 🧐
Wonderful initiative! It's reassuring to see our state-run refiners being proactive. The safety of supply routes matters a lot. And SEEPCO being Indian-owned in Nigeria makes this even more special—it's like a win-win for our energy needs and for Indian entrepreneurs abroad. 🇳🇬🤝🇮🇳
Interesting read. As someone who works in the energy sector, this move makes sense strategically. The 6 million barrels is a good start, but India's daily consumption is huge—diversifying beyond the Gulf is wise. Hope this is part of a larger plan, not just a one-off. Also, the Atlantic route is less risky indeed. 🌍
Every time there's a crisis in West Asia, we scramble for alternatives. Good that we have SEEPCO, but why are we not developing our own domestic oil and gas reserves more aggressively? We
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