As tensions rise in the Middle East due to the Israel-Iran war and the US bombing of Iran's nuclear sites, many people are worried about the effect this may have on oil supplies to India. But Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has assured the public that there is no need to panic.

He said that the government has taken several steps in the past few years to make sure that the country’s oil supply remains stable—even during global tensions like these.

India has diversified its oil sources

“We have been closely monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East for the past two weeks. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have diversified our supplies in the past few years, and a large volume of our supplies does not come through the Strait of Hormuz now,” said Minister Puri on Sunday.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea route through which about 20 million barrels of oil per day pass from countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Iran is located on the northern side of this waterway and has earlier threatened to block it if the US gets involved in the conflict.

Blocking this route could affect global oil shipments and cause prices to rise. There are also warnings from Yemen’s Houthi rebels that they might start attacking oil-carrying ships if the US continues attacking Iran.

India imports about 85% of its crude oil, and a rise in global oil prices could lead to a higher import bill, increased inflation, and even a weaker rupee. However, the minister stressed that India has made preparations for such situations.

Fuel supplies are safe, says minister

The minister also added that the country's main oil companies—Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum—have enough fuel supplies for several weeks. He said, “We will take all necessary steps to ensure the stability of supplies of fuel to our citizens.”

To make India less dependent on a single region, the country has also increased oil imports from Russia and the US. In addition, strategic reserves have been created to store oil that can be used during emergencies or price spikes.

Puri highlighted that India now has 23 modern operational refineries, with a combined capacity of 257 million metric tonnes per year, which helps the country produce its own petroleum products.

The minister also shared details about strategic oil storage facilities, which can be used during emergencies. These include:

  • Pudur: 2.25 million metric tonnes (MMT)
  • Visakhapatnam: 1.33 MMT
  • Mangalore: 1.5 MMT

Another storage site is being built at Chandikhol, which is also located on the coast. These reserves will help India stay strong during global oil crises.

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