India’s current strategic crude oil reserves can sustain the country for approximately 9.5 days in the event of a disruption in oil imports, as revealed in a recent Right to Information (RTI) reply from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This situation raises concerns amid rising global energy market uncertainties, characterized by ongoing geopolitical struggles. The information highlighted in the RTI underlines the inadequate buffer available to India during critical times.

Background of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Program

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) initiative was authorized on January 7, 2004, leading to the establishment of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) on June 16, 2004, tasked with its execution. As it stands, India’s total SPR storage capacity amounts to 5.33 million metric tonnes (MMT), distributed across three key facilities located in Visakhapatnam (1.33 MMT), Mangaluru (1.5 MMT), and Padur (2.5 MMT).

Current Storage and Utilization Levels

According to government data shared in the Rajya Sabha on March 23, 2026, the existing reserves are not fully utilized. Currently, approximately 3.372 MMT of crude oil is held in reserve, representing nearly 64% of the total storage capability. The government has indicated that the actual reserve level fluctuates, influenced by both stock levels and consumption rates across the country.

Planned Expansion of Strategic Reserves

In July 2021, the government approved an expansion of the SPR infrastructure to enhance the country’s oil security framework. This initiative entails the construction of two additional storage facilities: one at Chandikhol in Odisha with a capacity of 4 MMT and another expansion of 2.5 MMT at Padur in Karnataka. Once established, these additions will increase India’s strategic oil storage capacity by 6.5 MMT. It is noteworthy that these new storage sites are being planned through a public-private partnership model but have not yet commenced operations.

Long-term Oil Security Challenges

While India has made strides in developing strategic oil reserves over the last two decades, the current capacity and existing stock levels indicate a precarious position regarding the country’s oil security. Insufficient reserves present significant challenges, particularly in scenarios involving extended disruptions in global oil supplies, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to fortify the nation’s energy independence.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share