Opec production cuts and the prospect of more expensive oil are pushing India to consider US and Canadian suppliers, as well as encouraging it to turn to renewable energy, the country’s petroleum and natural gas minister said.

Dharmendra Pradhan made the comments in Vienna ahead of Opec’s meeting when members will decide whether to extend production cuts to ease the global oil glut that has grown in tandem with rising North American output.

Pradhan said India, the world’s third biggest consumer, would act in its national interest to secure inexpensive crude, expand its use of natural gas as it seeks to honour the Paris climate change agreement and is keen to explore biodiesel and other renewable fuels.

"I want to protect my consumers’ interests," Pradhan, who assumed his role in 2014, said in an interview.

"India’s leadership is very focused on energy security for all its citizens."

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries had sought to undermine the North American oil boom for several years by raising output, which pushed prices too low for costly shale producers. But low prices also hurt Opec states, encouraging them to change tack and limit output.

Pradhan acknowledged that Opec’s production cuts are an attempt to stem the crude price slide, but said he was worried that it could result in under-investment.