India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Securing Energy Amid Global Turbulence

• India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) act as a crucial buffer against global supply shocks, ensuring energy security.
• Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated India's reserves can meet domestic demand for 74 days during global turbulence.
• SPRs are located in underground rock caverns at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur, with a capacity of 5.33 million tonnes.
• India is the world's third-largest crude oil consumer and has the fourth-largest refining capacity, emphasizing reserve importance.
• Conceived after the Gulf War, a second phase of expansion is planned at Chandikhol and Padur to further boost strategic cushion.