India Secures 50-Day Fuel Buffer to Counter West Asian Supply Disruptions
New Delhi | March 5, 2026 — Amid escalating tensions in West Asia and the resulting volatility in global energy markets, the Government of India has issued a reassuring update on the nation's energy security. Official sources confirmed that India currently maintains a combined inventory of crude oil and refined petroleum products sufficient to meet domestic demand for approximately 50 days.
The Breakdown: 25 + 25 Days of Security
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the current stockpile is divided into two primary categories to ensure both refining continuity and immediate retail availability:
Crude Oil Reserves: India holds 25 days of crude oil stocks. This includes the capacity within the Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)—located in underground caverns at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur—as well as the inventory held by refineries.
Refined Product Stocks: The country also possesses a 25-day supply of finished products, specifically petrol and diesel, held by various Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
In total, this provides a "reasonably comfortable" 8-week buffer, shielding the Indian economy from short-term disruptions in the global supply chain.
Diversification Beyond the Strait of Hormuz
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, recently emphasized that India’s energy strategy has evolved to reduce dependence on sensitive maritime chokepoints.
"India has ensured both availability and affordability by diversifying its sources. Our energy companies now access supplies that are not routed through the Strait of Hormuz," Minister Puri stated during a media briefing in New Delhi.
Currently, only about 40% of India's crude imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The remaining 60% is sourced from a diverse portfolio including Russia, the United States, West Africa, and Latin America, significantly limiting the impact of regional closures.
No Immediate Price Hikes Planned
Despite Brent crude prices surging past the $80 per barrel mark due to the conflict, government sources indicate there are no immediate plans to increase retail prices for petrol or diesel. The government is prioritizing consumer interests and is actively "scouting for alternative sources" for LPG and LNG to prevent any domestic shortages.
To maintain a vigilant stance, the Ministry has established a 24/7 Control Room to monitor supply positions and stock levels across every state in real-time.
Future Outlook: Expanding Strategic Reserves
While the current 50-day buffer (often cited as up to 74 days when including all commercial and transit volumes) provides a safety net, the government is moving forward with Phase II of its Strategic Petroleum Reserve program. This expansion aims to add another 6.5 MMT of capacity at Chandikhol and Padur, moving India closer to the International Energy Agency (IEA) benchmark of a 90-day reserve.