India's Oil Reserves: 74 Days of Supply Capacity Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Synopsis
India's strategic oil reserves can sustain the nation for 74 days, ensuring stability during geopolitical conflicts. With new facilities and diplomatic strategies, the government bolsters energy security. Discover the details behind this vital reserve capacity.
Key Takeaways
India's total oil storage capacity stands at 74 days .
Strategic Petroleum Reserves provide a buffer for 9.5 days of crude oil.
New facilities will enhance storage capacity by 6.5 MMT .
Import dependence on crude oil ranges from 85% to 88% .
Diversifying import sources is key to mitigating supply risks.
New Delhi, March 9 (NationPress) Currently, India possesses a storage capacity for crude oil and petroleum products sufficient for 74 days, enabling the country to manage disruptions arising from adverse scenarios such as geopolitical tensions, as reported to Parliament on Monday.
Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has set up Strategic Petroleum Reserves facilities with a total capacity of 5.33 million metric tonnes (MMT), designed to buffer against short-term supply shocks, which covers around 9.5 days of crude oil needs. Additionally, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in India have storage capabilities for crude oil and petroleum products lasting for 64.5 days. Thus, the overall national storage capacity for these resources stands at 74 days.
To enhance the capacity of petroleum reserves, the government approved the creation of two new facilities in July 2021, which will add 6.5 MMT of storage at Chandikhol (4 MMT) in Odisha and Padur (2.5 MMT) in Karnataka through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. This expansion is expected to provide an equivalent of 12 days of import reserves.
Moreover, the government has implemented various measures to reduce supply disruption risks and ensure a steady energy supply chain amid geopolitical uncertainties. These actions include diversifying crude oil import sources, avoiding conflict zones, and strengthening diplomatic ties with leading oil-producing nations and organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and the International Energy Forum (IEF).
In terms of proven hydrocarbon reserves, India has established its holdings through ongoing exploration across sedimentary basins. As of April 1, 2025, the country’s Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR) is 1,948.1 MMT for crude oil and 1,844.3 BCM for natural gas, according to annual estimates from the Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS). The recoverable reserves are recorded at 423.1 MMT for crude oil and 595.4 BCM for natural gas.
The import dependence on crude oil has fluctuated between 85% to 88%, while Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) dependence has ranged from 48% to 50% over the past five years, the minister concluded.
Point of View
The nation is preparing for potential disruptions, ensuring a stable supply of energy amidst global uncertainties.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's current oil reserve capacity?
India currently has a storage capacity for crude oil and petroleum products for 74 days.
What measures is the government taking to enhance oil reserves?
The government has approved the establishment of two new facilities to add 6.5 MMT of oil storage capacity.
How does India's oil import dependence fluctuate?
India's oil import dependence ranges from 85% to 88% for crude oil and 48% to 50% for LNG over the past five years.
What is the role of Strategic Petroleum Reserves?
Strategic Petroleum Reserves serve as a buffer against short-term supply shocks, covering approximately 9.5 days of crude oil needs.
How has India established its proven hydrocarbon reserves?
India's hydrocarbon reserves have been confirmed through ongoing exploration efforts across its sedimentary basins.
