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News 18 of 24

India's 100 Mn Barrel Strategic & Commercial Crude Stockpile Provides 40-45 Day Buffer Against Hormuz Strait Disruption

EconomyIntl. RelationsInfrastructureHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
03 Mar 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:100 million barrels40-45 days import cover88% import dependency2.5 million bpd via Hormuz$100.4 billion import bill (Apr'25-Jan'26)Strait of Hormuz 33-kilometre
Bodies:Kpler
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.India holds 100 million barrels of commercial and strategic crude oil stocks, offering a 40-45 day import cover if the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, as per Kpler analysis.

2.Over 50% of India's crude imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, making it highly vulnerable to supply disruptions and price volatility from regional conflicts.

3.Examiners will test the strategic significance of SPR locations, India's import dependency (88%), and the economic impact of such geopolitical risks on India's trade deficit and inflation.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

India's 100 million barrels of crude oil stocks, including strategic reserves, could last 40-45 days if Middle Eastern supplies via the Strait of Hormuz are cut off. This highlights the country's vulnerability and strategic buffers amidst geopolitical tensions, directly impacting energy security and the import bill.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Crude Stockpile100 million barrels
Import Cover40-45 days
India's Crude Import Dependency88%
Imports via Strait of Hormuz2.5 million barrels per day
Crude Import Bill (Apr 2025-Jan 2026)$100.4 billion
SPR LocationsMangalore, Padur, Visakhapatnam

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Crude Stockpile: 100 million barrels
  • ›Import Cover: 40-45 days
  • ›Target this Data: 100 million barrels stockpile & 40-45 days import cover.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
  • ›Target this Geographic Point: Strait of Hormuz and the three Indian SPR locations - Mangalore, Padur, Visakhapatnam.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The strategic petroleum reserve facilities mentioned in the news are located in which of the following Indian cities?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding India's crude oil imports as per the article:

1. India imports about 88% of the crude oil it requires.

2. More than 50% of India's crude oil imports are supplied by Middle Eastern countries.

3. The Strait of Hormuz accounts for the transit of roughly one-third of the world's seaborne crude oil exports.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the Kpler analysis cited in the article, for how many days could India's commercial crude stocks cover its imports if flows through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is identified in the article as the primary immediate impact on India if Middle Eastern crude supply via the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted?

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