Fuel Supply in India: Hardeep Puri Assures No Shortages Ahead – Yes Punjab News

New Delhi, July 6, 2025

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently praised the Indian government’s successes in the oil and gas sector. He pointed out that even during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent conflicts in the Middle East, India has maintained a stable supply of petroleum products.

Puri credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foresight for this stability. Tensions in the Middle East surged with the Israeli attack on Iran, disrupting shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for 20% of the world’s oil, was especially at risk. Puri noted that, thanks to Modi’s leadership, India has diversified its oil sources, reducing its reliance on this critical route.

India imports about 85% of its crude oil. When global oil prices rise, it impacts the country’s import bill and can trigger inflation, hampering economic growth. However, recent trends show India increasing imports from Russia and the U.S., bolstering its resilience through strategic reserves.

The country now boasts 23 modern refineries with a combined capacity of 257 million metric tons per year. These facilities play a key role in distilling quality petroleum products. Additionally, strategic petroleum reserves have been established at various locations, providing backup during emergencies and geopolitical uncertainty. Key reserves include 2.25 million metric tons at Pudur, 1.33 million at Visakhapatnam, and 1.5 million in Mangalore.

In an exciting development for green energy, India has exceeded its goal of 20% ethanol blending with petrol, achieving this milestone ahead of the 2030 deadline. E20 ethanol-blended petrol is now available across public-sector retail outlets like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum. This initiative not only cuts carbon emissions but also saves significant money, with savings exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore in foreign exchange. Farmers have also benefited from these changes.

As countries focus on sustainability, India is making strides toward cleaner fuel solutions. This progress is crucial not only for environmental reasons but also for economic stability amid shifting geopolitical landscapes.

For further insights, you can explore reports from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to stay updated on these developments.

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