New Delhi, June 20 -- India's energy import bill surged sharply in May as elevated global crude prices driven by the West Asia crisis pushed up costs despite stable import volumes.

Crude Import Bill Rises Despite Stable Volumes

According to Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) data, India's crude oil import bill surged 81.5 percent year-on-year to USD 18.7 billion in May, despite import volumes remaining largely unchanged at 21.6 million tonnes, reported Business Standard.

The rise was driven by higher global prices, with the Indian basket crude averaging USD 106.23 per barrel versus USD 64.04 a year earlier.

Crude oil remains India's largest import item, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the merchandise import bill and highl...