India's Energy Security and Import Dependence
India's energy security remains a critical strategic concern given its high dependence on imported crude oil and growing demand driven by industrialisation and urbanisation.
- India's crude oil import dependence stood at approximately 89% in March 2025, making it the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer.
- Top crude oil suppliers to India: Russia (18-22%), Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and the United States (6-7%).
- India consumed approximately 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil in 2025.
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR): India maintains strategic reserves at three locations — Visakhapatnam (1.33 MMT), Mangaluru (1.5 MMT), and Padur (2.5 MMT) — totalling 5.33 MMT, providing roughly 9.5 days of import cover.
- India has planned Phase II of SPR at Chandikhol (Odisha) and Padur (expansion) to increase capacity to 12 MMT.
- The International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends 90 days of import cover, highlighting India's vulnerability.
- India is diversifying imports from newer suppliers including Brazil, Libya, Egypt, and Brunei, as per the Economic Survey 2025-26.
● Tracked since February 18, 2026 · last seen July 31, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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