Govt Sets 63,810 Tonnes/Day LPG Production Target for 21 Refineries to Cut Import Dependence

ONGC to Reserve 50% of 1.75 MMT Mangaluru Storage for Strategic Petroleum Reserves

ONGC will reserve 50% of its 1.75 MMT Mangaluru oil storage facility as strategic storage, while the rest will be used commercially. India's current storage capacity covers 74 days of net crude import requirements, and the government is planning 6.5 MMT more at Chandikhol and Padur. This is a key energy-security move relevant to infrastructure and strategic reserves questions.

India's Proposed 28 MT Crude, 9 MT LNG, 4 MT LPG Strategic Fuel Reserves

India is considering a decade-long strategic fuel programme to add 28 MT crude, 9 MT LNG and 4 MT LPG storage to buffer energy shocks. The plan is still a proposal, and analysts stress that storage alone cannot ensure energy security—deliverability through ships, pipelines and governance matters equally.

US Passes Russia Sanctions Bill: 100% Tariff Threat on India Over Russian Oil Imports

The US House has passed a bill granting the President power to impose 100% tariffs on nations (including India) buying Russian oil. India, the second-largest buyer of Russian crude, has asserted its commitment to energy security for 1.4 billion people. This carries major implications for India-US bilateral ties and global energy markets.

Govt to Mandate Design-in-India Chips for Smart Meters by Mid-2028, 7.24 Cr Installed

The government plans to mandate domestically designed and manufactured chips in smart meters by mid-2028 to counter cybersecurity threats and reduce import dependence. With 7.24 crore smart meters already installed under various schemes, this move also aims at cost reduction and grid modernization under the new National Electricity Policy.

ONGC, OIL Privatisation Debate: Strong PSUs, Strategic Reserves Essential for Energy Security

The article argues against privatising ONGC and OIL, emphasising that state-owned oil PSUs are crucial for India's energy security during geopolitical disruptions. It highlights the success of ethanol blending (20% blending, ₹1.9 lakh Cr forex savings) and calls for a dual strategy: strong PSU upstream production plus expanded strategic petroleum reserves.

India Becomes Key Petrol Supplier to Russia as Drone Attacks Cut Refinery Output by 70%

India has emerged as a key supplier of petrol to Russia, supplying 1 million barrels in two months, as Ukrainian drone attacks have slashed Russian refinery output by up to 70%. This ironic reversal of energy flows highlights the geopolitical complexities of the Russia-Ukraine war and has direct implications for India's energy security, crude import strategy, and compliance with sanctions regimes.

India's Russian Oil Imports Fall 26% in August 2026 Amid Tighter Supply and Chinese Competition

India's crude oil imports from Russia fell 26% in August 2026 from record highs in July, driven by tighter Russian export availability and intensified competition from Chinese refiners. The drop led to an overall 8.4% decline in India's total oil imports. The shift signals market normalisation, with Russian oil expected to remain India's mainstay at 2.0-2.5 million bpd.

PM Modi Warns of Weaponisation of Sea Routes; Launches ₹84,084 Cr Samudra Manthan Offshore Scheme

PM Modi's 80th Independence Day speech flagged the weaponisation of global resources and sea routes as a key threat to India's economic security. He announced the ₹84,084 crore Samudra Manthan scheme to boost domestic oil and gas exploration, aiming to reduce India's 90% import dependence on crude oil.