Indian Refiners Delay Maintenance Over West Asia Supply Risks

State-owned oil companies Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have officially deferred scheduled refinery maintenance operations. The decision comes as a strategic move to maintain consistent fuel supplies in response to ongoing disruptions in West Asia, specifically citing the current blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

While state-run entities are delaying shutdowns to safeguard output, private refiner Nayara Energy has confirmed it will proceed with its planned maintenance schedule, citing essential safety protocols that cannot be bypassed. Government officials acknowledged that domestic production of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) has experienced a decline due to these operational adjustments. However, the administration maintains that overall fuel delivery and distribution networks across the country remain stable and unaffected by the ongoing regional supply constraints.