India secures oil, fertilizer supplies amid West Asia crisis

India has made necessary arrangements to procure oil and fertilizers, ensuring there is no immediate threat of a shortfall, according to Union government officials who briefed a Parliamentary panel on Monday.

The parliamentary committee on transport, tourism, and culture reviewed the impact of the West Asia crisis and the Strait of Hormuz deadlock on cargo and sea travel to India. Officials informed the committee that India has secured adequate provisions to obtain oil from Russia, the USA, and Africa. Simultaneously, arrangements are in place to procure fertilizers and boost domestic production to meet the country's demand.

During the meeting, officials also addressed the issue of escalating insurance premiums due to the crisis and the government's response. They noted that if the Strait of Hormuz were to reopen, it would take five to six days for normal shipping operations to resume. The committee was also informed that out of approximately 12,000 sailors affected, around 2,900 have opted to return home, while the rest are willing to continue working. The panel urged the government to develop long-term plans to mitigate the impact of such disruptions and prepare for future exigencies.