India is importing 12 million barrels of Venezuelan crude this month, its highest level since February 2020, to offset disruptions in Middle East supplies caused by the Iran war. Data from Kpler shows these April cargoes arrive just as tensions in the region escalate, forcing India to diversify its sources. The move signals a strategic shift beyond immediate needs, according to Sumit Ritolia, a lead analyst at Kpler. India, the world's third-largest oil importer, faces mounting pressure to secure alternative supplies as Middle East shipments face increasing volatility.

This shift underscores India's growing dependency on Venezuela despite political tensions, highlighting a pragmatic approach to energy security in volatile markets.