India well stocked on crude and fuels amid Middle East hostilities, says Petroleum Minister Puri
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told the media on 3 March 2026 that India is well stocked with crude oil, petrol, diesel and ATF, and has supplies not routed through the Strait of Hormuz, as a 24×7 control room monitors stocks.
Summary
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri briefed the media in New Delhi on 3 March 2026 on India's energy preparedness after the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East. The ministry said India is the third-largest importer, fourth-largest refiner and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products globally, and is well stocked with crude oil and inventories of petrol, diesel and ATF to handle short-term disruptions. Indian energy companies now have access to supplies that are not routed through the Strait of Hormuz, which can offset cargoes temporarily affected on that route. The ministry has set up a 24×7 control room to monitor supply and stock positions across the country and said phased measures can be taken if required.
Key facts
- Date
- 3 March 2026
- Briefing by
- Hardeep Singh Puri, Petroleum Minister
- India's position
- 3rd-largest importer, 4th-largest refiner, 5th-largest exporter of petroleum products
- Stocks
- Crude, petrol, diesel and ATF adequate for short-term disruption
- Diversification
- Supplies available that avoid the Strait of Hormuz
- Monitoring
- 24×7 control room on supply and stocks
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which minister briefed the media on 3 March 2026 on India's energy preparedness amid hostilities in the Middle East?
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Correct answer: D — Hardeep Singh Puri
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri gave the briefing.
According to the Petroleum Ministry in March 2026, what is India's global rank as a refiner?
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Correct answer: B — Fourth
India is the fourth-largest refiner, third-largest importer and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products globally.
Consider the following statements from the Petroleum Ministry's briefing of 3 March 2026: 1. Indian energy companies have access to some supplies that are not routed through the Strait of Hormuz. 2. A 24×7 control room has been set up to monitor supply and stock positions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the ministry cited supplies that avoid the Strait of Hormuz and set up a 24×7 control room to monitor stocks nationwide.