As geopolitical tensions escalate across the globe, a critical report on India’s energy security has raised serious alarms. According to the latest data, India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)—the emergency oil cushion meant for crisis situations—is far from being a long-term solution. In the event of a total supply disruption, India’s emergency crude oil stock is estimated to last only between 20 to 40 days, far below the global safety standard of 90 days.

Currently, India manages its strategic reserves at three underground locations: Visakhapatnam, Mangalore, and Padur. These facilities have a combined capacity of 5.33 million metric tonnes (MMT), which can sustain the country’s needs for roughly 9.5 days. While additional storage maintained by Indian oil refineries provides another 64 days of cover, experts warn that in a high-intensity war or prolonged supply blockade, the operational limit would realistically shrink to a window of 20-40 days due to increased military and logistics consumption.

In comparison, global powers like the US and China maintain reserves that can last over three months. India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, relies on overseas supplies for nearly 85% of its crude requirements, making it highly vulnerable to Middle Eastern conflicts or shipping lane blockades. To mitigate this risk, the Indian government has cleared Phase II of the SPR program, including new facilities in Chandikhole (Odisha) and Padur (Karnataka). However, until these expansions are fully operational, India remains in a precarious position, emphasizing the urgent need for diversifying energy sources and accelerating the transition to renewable alternatives.