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Current Affairs Pulse

Economy26 Mar 2026

India maintains 60-day crude oil and one-month LPG reserves for energy security

8 sections below — scroll or usetocto jump
  • 1

    India currently holds crude oil reserves sufficient for approximately 60 days of consumption.

  • 2

    The nation's Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies are adequate for about one month.

  • 3

    The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed that all petrol pumps nationwide are well-stocked and operating normally, with no rationing measures in place.

  • India's crude oil reserves can meet demand for 60 days.
  • LPG supplies are sufficient for approximately one month.
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas oversees these reserves and supplies.
  • No rationing of petrol or diesel is currently being implemented across the country.
Crude Oil Stock Duration
60 days
LPG Supply Duration
1 month
Maintaining strategic reserves of essential fuels like crude oil and LPG is crucial for India's energy security. As a major net importer of crude oil, these reserves provide a buffer against global supply disruptions, price volatility, and geopolitical uncertainties. Adequate stocks ensure stable energy supply for industries, transportation, and households, preventing economic shocks and maintaining public confidence.

Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL)

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, responsible for constructing, commissioning, and managing India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) facilities.

Head: Managed by a Board of DirectorsHQ: New Delhi

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG)

The nodal ministry responsible for the exploration, production, refining, distribution, marketing, import, export, and conservation of petroleum, natural gas, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas in India.

Head: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural GasHQ: New Delhi

Global Crude Oil Prices

Fluctuations directly impact India's import bill and domestic fuel prices, making strategic reserves vital for stability.

Geopolitical Events

Conflicts or instability in major oil-producing regions can disrupt supply chains, highlighting the importance of domestic reserves.

Inflation

Rising fuel prices due to supply shortages or high global rates can contribute significantly to overall inflation.

Energy Security Policy

Strategic reserves are a cornerstone of India's broader energy security strategy, aiming to reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

Exam Relevance

upsc

GS Paper 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Infrastructure: Energy. Security challenges and their management in border areas.

ssc

General Awareness: Indian Economy, Current Affairs, Government Schemes.

banking

General Awareness: Economic & Financial News, Current Affairs.

railway

General Awareness: Indian Economy, Current Affairs.

defence

General Awareness: National Security, Economic Security, Current Events.

Previously Asked (PYQs)

UPSC_PRELIMS 2014

Which of the following are associated with 'Planning' in India? 1. The Finance Commission 2. The National Development Council 3. The Union Ministry of Rural Development 4. The Union Ministry of Urban Development 5. The Parliament Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Answer: 2 and 5 only

UPSC_PRELIMS 2023

Consider the following statements: 1. India has more arable area than China. 2. The proportion of irrigated area is more in India as compared to China. 3. The average productivity per hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in China. How many of the above statements are correct?

Answer: Only two

UPSC_PRELIMS 2023

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods. Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India's 'Production-linked Incentive' scheme. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Answer: Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Expected Questions

  • UPSC may ask: 'Consider the following statements regarding India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) program...' focusing on its purpose, locations, and managing body.
  • SSC/Banking may ask: 'Which organization is responsible for managing India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves?' or 'What is the primary objective of maintaining Strategic Petroleum Reserves?'
  • Questions could also relate to India's energy import dependence and measures taken to mitigate risks.

historyTopic Frequency

Medium. While specific stock numbers are dynamic, the concept of energy security, SPRs, and related institutions are recurring themes.

Key Terms

Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)

Underground rock caverns or salt caverns used to store crude oil for emergency situations, managed by governments.

Energy Security

The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.

Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL)

A government-owned company responsible for building and operating India's SPR facilities.

priority_highMust Remember

  • India is the world's third-largest consumer of oil and highly dependent on imports.
  • Strategic Petroleum Reserves are crucial for mitigating supply shocks and price volatility.
  • ISPRL manages India's SPR facilities under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

tips_and_updatesExam Tips

  • Understand the difference between commercial and strategic reserves.
  • Familiarize yourself with the locations of India's existing and proposed SPR facilities (e.g., Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, Padur).
  • Connect energy security with broader economic and geopolitical issues.
Question 1 of 5Score: 0/0
Factual

According to recent government statements, for how many days can India's current crude oil reserves meet the nation's demand?

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