Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) and Energy Security Policy

India established a Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) programme under the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) to maintain emergency oil stockpiles. The government maintains approximately 5.33 million metric tonnes (MMT) of crude oil across three underground facilities: Visakhapatnam (1.33 MMT), Mangaluru (1.5 MMT), and Padur (2.5 MMT). This represents approximately 9-10 days of national consumption.

Additionally, commercial stocks held by refineries and distributors add another 15-20 days. The IEA (International Energy Agency) recommends member states maintain 90 days of net import reserves — India holds well below this threshold and is not an IEA member (though it participates as an Association country).