New Delhi, September 28 (Daily Kiran) : Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri addressed members of the Merchants Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi on September 28, emphasizing that India has successfully maintained its energy supply despite recent geopolitical crises and disruptions in global supply chains. He attributed this stability to the energy diplomacy adopted under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and strategic preparations made over the past decade.
Puri explained that energy security today goes beyond merely ensuring fuel availability. It involves keeping the economy running smoothly amid conflicts, disruptions in strategic maritime routes, price volatility, and unexpected challenges.
“India has been able to face these challenges successfully because the energy sector had already made extensive preparations,” he stated. Over the last ten years, India has increased its crude oil import sources from 27 to 41 countries. Additionally, the country has established a strategic petroleum reserve of 5.33 million tons, expanded refining capacity from 215 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA) to 267 MMTPA, and increased the number of fuel outlets from approximately 52,000 to over 100,000.
The minister also noted that the number of LPG import terminals has doubled from 11 to 22. As a result of these preparations, even as many regions worldwide faced energy crises and significant price surges, India maintained normal supply levels at petrol pumps, ensured the availability of cooking gas cylinders, and kept retail fuel prices relatively stable.
Puri remarked that the program’s theme, “India’s Energy Security: Managing Geopolitical Uncertainty,” is particularly relevant given the ongoing global challenges. He highlighted West Bengal‘s energy potential, stating that opportunities in the energy sector could drive industry, investment, employment, and regional connectivity. Currently, there are ongoing oil and gas projects in West Bengal worth ₹17,600 crore, significantly strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure.
He mentioned that the Haldia refinery, which had a capacity of 2.5 MMTPA in 1975, has now expanded to 8 MMTPA. In the fiscal year 2025-26, the refinery processed 8.5 million tons of crude oil. Puri also noted that oil discoveries in Ashoknagar, which began in 2018, have now reached commercial production stages, with the first shipment of crude oil produced by ONGC arriving in Haldia in August 2026 after an investment of nearly ₹1,000 crore. This development highlights West Bengal’s growing role in the energy sector.
He concluded by stating that diversifying energy sources, strategic storage, expanding refining capacity, and investing in infrastructure have enabled India to maintain energy security even amid global uncertainties. He believes this strategy will continue to support the country’s energy needs and economic growth in the future.
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