The Centre has assured that India currently holds sufficient crude oil and refined petroleum product inventories to meet domestic demand for about 25 days, easing concerns over supply disruptions amid global uncertainties.
Government sources said the stock position includes crude oil held by refiners, petroleum product inventories across depots, and reserves maintained in strategic storage facilities. The assessment comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in West Asia have heightened volatility in global energy markets.
Officials indicated that India’s strategic petroleum reserves, managed by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL), provide an additional safety cushion. These reserves are stored in underground facilities at key locations and are meant to be tapped in case of emergency supply shocks.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, relies on overseas sources for the bulk of its crude requirements. A significant portion of supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz, making developments in the region closely watched by policymakers and energy companies.
Sources stressed that refiners are operating normally and that there is no immediate concern over retail fuel availability. The government is also monitoring global crude prices and freight movements to ensure market stability.
While maintaining that current stock levels are adequate, officials said contingency plans remain in place to enhance procurement or release reserves if required, underscoring India’s preparedness to manage external supply risks.
