India Plans Month Long Fuel Reserves To Boost Energy Security

06 Jul 2026 CW Team

The nation was hit by disruptions in the Persian Gulf and near closure of the Strait of Hormuz and seeks to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern imports. New Delhi currently holds strategic crude reserves of about 39 million (mn) barrels, enough to cover around eight days of imports, while inventories held by refiners and fuel retailers can together meet more than 70 days of demand. Strategic capacity is being expanded with caverns on the east and west coasts and is expected to reach at least 120 million (mn) barrels in about five years.

Reserves of LPG and LNG are minimal because LPG must be stored under pressure and LNG requires super-cooled temperatures and stringent safety protocols. Long term LPG storage is around 140,000 tonne (t), primarily in underground rock caverns on the east and west coasts, and meets roughly two days of national consumption. The oil ministry has asked state run refiners to boost emergency LPG stockpiles and LNG importers are adding tanks while a draft policy would require terminal operators to hold 10 per cent more than normal operational needs.

During the Iran crisis India rationed diesel, LPG and gas and sought assistance from other Asian buyers that maintain LNG and LPG reserves. The effort follows moves by neighbours and partners in the region to bolster strategic storage and is described as an ambitious attempt to shield the country from future shocks. Japan and India are reported to be considering cooperation on LNG stockpiles and ministers could seek an agreement during bilateral talks.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

India plans strategic reserves of crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas to meet up to one month of domestic demand and bolster energy security. The oil ministry has set up a committee to study locations, operating models and the split between overground and underground storage according to people briefed on the discussions. The group is examining underground caverns and surface tanks while coordinating with state refiners and terminal operators. The nation was hit by disruptions in the Persian Gulf and near closure of the Strait of Hormuz and seeks to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern imports. New Delhi currently holds strategic crude reserves of about 39 million (mn) barrels, enough to cover around eight days of imports, while inventories held by refiners and fuel retailers can together meet more than 70 days of demand. Strategic capacity is being expanded with caverns on the east and west coasts and is expected to reach at least 120 million (mn) barrels in about five years. Reserves of LPG and LNG are minimal because LPG must be stored under pressure and LNG requires super-cooled temperatures and stringent safety protocols. Long term LPG storage is around 140,000 tonne (t), primarily in underground rock caverns on the east and west coasts, and meets roughly two days of national consumption. The oil ministry has asked state run refiners to boost emergency LPG stockpiles and LNG importers are adding tanks while a draft policy would require terminal operators to hold 10 per cent more than normal operational needs. During the Iran crisis India rationed diesel, LPG and gas and sought assistance from other Asian buyers that maintain LNG and LPG reserves. The effort follows moves by neighbours and partners in the region to bolster strategic storage and is described as an ambitious attempt to shield the country from future shocks. Japan and India are reported to be considering cooperation on LNG stockpiles and ministers could seek an agreement during bilateral talks.

Infrastructure Transport

21 Jul 2026

Matrix Geo wins Central Railway survey contract

Matrix Geo Solutions has secured a Rs 12.4 million contract from Central Railway to conduct precision track geometry surveys covering more than 300 km of railway lines using advanced geospatial technology.The company received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for the project, which will be executed over 18 months. The surveys are intended to assess track alignment, identify irregularities and support corrective measures to improve railway safety, operational efficiency and maintenance planning.According to the company, the technology enables highly accurate measurement of track geometry, helping en..

Infrastructure Transport

20 Jul 2026

Uttar Pradesh Accelerates National Highway Projects

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to review National Highway and road infrastructure projects. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India presented progress updates and proposals. Ministers directed acceleration of land acquisition, forest clearances, utility shifting and other formalities to expedite delivery. Officials said that since 2014 about 10,204 kilometres of National Highway projects have been awarded and nearly 9,329 kilometres completed, with 606 kilometres approved and 1,010 kilometres completed b..

Infrastructure Transport

20 Jul 2026

NHAI Completes Repairs at 33 of 40 Spots Along Gurugram NH-48

The National Highways Authority of India has rectified 33 of 40 deficient locations along an 11km stretch of the Delhi–Gurugram NH-48 corridor, following a joint inspection by the authority, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram and the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority. The audit identified damaged footpaths, crash barriers, inadequate lane markings and poor sanitation at multiple points between Rajiv Chowk and Signature Towers. Repairs and maintenance works have been carried out over May and June as part of the exercise. The report noted broken crash barriers and roadside litteri..