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Hardeep Puri highlights India’s energy security amid crises (Img: IANS)
New Delhi: Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that amid conflicts and supply chain disruptions, India managed to maintain steady energy imports despite geopolitical crises.
Addressing members of the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India’s ability to navigate conflicts, supply chokepoints, volatile prices and sudden disruptions reflected the country’s preparedness and energy diplomacy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Energy security today is not simply about securing supplies; it is also about navigating conflicts, chokepoints, volatile prices and sudden disruptions while keeping the country and its economy on the move."
Puri said India had been able to overcome recent challenges because the energy sector had prepared well in advance.
"India has also been able to overcome these challenges because our energy sector, among others, had prepared well in advance. Over the past decade, we diversified crude sourcing from 27 to 41 countries, built 5.33 MT of strategic reserves, raised refining capacity from 215 to 267 MMTPA, and expanded fuel outlets from about 52,000 to over 100,000 and LPG import terminals from 11 to 22," he said.
Puri said this preparation helped India avoid the kind of energy shortages and price shocks seen in several parts of the world. He said that petrol pumps remained supplied, LPG cylinders continued reaching households and retail fuel prices stayed contained.
Puri said the theme of the event, “India’s Energy Security: Navigating Geopolitical Uncertainty”, was particularly relevant amid the geopolitical crises currently affecting the world.
He also highlighted West Bengal’s growing energy potential, saying it could support industrial activity, investment, employment and regional connectivity. Oil and gas projects worth Rs 17,600 crore are currently underway in the state, he said.
The Haldia refinery, which had a capacity of 2.5 MMTPA in 1975, has expanded to 8 MMTPA and processed 8.5 MMT in FY 2025-26.
Puri also pointed to the Ashoknagar oil discovery made in 2018, which has now entered commercial production. ONGC’s first crude consignment from the field reached Haldia in August 2026 after nearly Rs 1,000 crore was invested in the project.
He said these developments, along with other energy projects, were strengthening West Bengal’s position on India’s energy map.
