India Hits Record Crude Import Dependence Amid Declining Domestic Output

India's reliance on imported crude oil has hit a record high of 88.7% in 2025-26, despite domestic production declining. The country's dependence on imports has increased steadily over the last five years, from 85.5% in 2021-22 to its current level.

The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, attributed the decline in crude oil production to natural decline in mature and ageing oil and gas fields. However, state-run producers Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) have managed to sustain production.

ONGC has maintained an average annual production of around 19.6 million metric tonnes (MMT), while OIL increased its production from 2.94 MMT to 3.44 MMT. The government said it has introduced reforms to encourage exploration and production, including the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act.