LAGOS, Nigeria, June 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) today announced that it successfully shipped approximately six million barrels of crude oil between March and May 2026 to three of India's state-owned refining companies: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).
The deliveries occurred during a period of heightened attention on global energy supply chains as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz raised concerns about the reliability of crude shipments originating from the Persian Gulf. While market conditions fluctuated in response to developments in the region, SEEPCO's Okwuibome crude was transported from Nigeria's Atlantic coast, avoiding the Gulf shipping corridor.
The shipments provided an alternative source of supply for three of India's largest public-sector refiners at a time when energy markets were closely monitoring developments in one of the world's most important oil transit routes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and carrying a significant share of the world's seaborne crude exports. Recent geopolitical developments have contributed to volatility in oil markets and renewed focus on supply diversification strategies among major importing nations.
SEEPCO's deliveries to IOC, BPCL and HPCL underscore the role that non-Gulf crude sources can play in supporting energy security and supply continuity. The company noted that Nigerian crude reaches international markets through Atlantic shipping routes that do not rely on transit through Hormuz.
The shipments also mark SEEPCO's continued commercial engagement with India's public-sector refining system. Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum collectively account for a significant portion of India's refining capacity and fuel distribution infrastructure.
SEEPCO is currently the only Indian-owned crude oil producer operating within an OPEC member country. The company's production assets in Nigeria provide access to crude supplies that can serve international markets, including India.
Industry observers have increasingly emphasized the importance of diversified supply sources as governments and refiners seek to reduce exposure to potential disruptions in key maritime transit routes. While discussions continue regarding the long-term status and security of the Strait of Hormuz, alternative supply channels remain an important component of energy security planning.
According to the company, the six million barrels delivered between March and May represent an example of how established production assets, logistics infrastructure and commercial relationships can support supply reliability during periods of market uncertainty.
About Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO)
Owned by Nitin Sanesara, Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) is a Nigeria-based crude oil exploration and production company engaged in the development and operation of upstream energy assets. The company produces crude oil from onshore Nigerian fields and supplies customers across international energy markets.
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SOURCE: Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO)
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