Our Bureau
New Delhi
India has enough oil reserves to keep the country running for nearly two months during any supply crisis, a new government report says. This big stockpile includes over 250 million barrels of crude oil and fuel products stored in secret underground caves and tanks across the nation.
The reserves sit in key spots like Mangalore, Padur, and Visakhapatnam. They cover seven to eight weeks of needs, beating old claims of just 25 days. Experts say this setup helps India stay calm even if sea routes face blocks.
India buys oil from 40 countries now, up from 27 ten years ago. Only 40% comes through the busy Strait of Hormuz; the rest flows from Russia, Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Russia topped suppliers in February 2026, sending over 1 million barrels daily despite global tensions.
Fuel prices stayed steady for four years. Petrol in Delhi even dropped a bit since 2022, while they jumped in places like Pakistan and Germany. State oil firms absorbed big losses, over Rs 24,000 crore on petrol and diesel, to keep pumps full.
Refining power hit 258 million tonnes a year, more than India’s use. Ethanol blending cut oil needs by 44 million barrels yearly. The report calls this mix a smart shield for energy needs.
