Amidst the increasing tension in West Asia and fears of supply disruption through the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a big statement in the Parliament on Monday (March 23, 2026) regarding India’s preparations. PM Modi said that India has strategic petroleum reserves of 53 lakh metric tonnes and many supply networks have been created through imports from 41 countries, hence the country is secure in terms of energy. He said that now the target has been set to increase this stock to 65 lakh metric tonnes.
India gave priority to crude oil reserves for crisis: PM Modi
In the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament, Prime Minister Modi said, ‘In the last 10 years, India has given priority to creating crude oil reserves for the crisis. Today we have strategic petroleum reserves of more than 53 lakh metric tons and work is being done to increase it to more than 65 lakh metric tons.
Referring to efforts to reduce the weakness, he said that India has significantly expanded its sources of energy imports. Earlier we used to import energy from 27 countries, but today we are importing energy from 41 countries.
PM laid emphasis on strengthening domestic preparations
During this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also stressed on strengthening domestic preparations. He said, ‘Our refining capacity has also increased. In the last decade, we have given priority to the storage of crude oil. We now have strong strategic petroleum reserves. India is in constant touch with many countries of the world to ensure continuous supply of oil and gas.
However, PM Modi also admitted that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has created unexpected challenges for India as well. He said, ‘These challenges are economic, national security and human too. India has extensive trade relations with war-fighting and war-affected countries. The area where this war is taking place is also an important route for our trade with other countries of the world. In particular, this region fulfills a large part of our needs for crude oil and gas. Therefore, it is necessary that a unanimous and united voice from the Parliament of India regarding this crisis should go to the world.
Also read: Supreme Court worried over the insensitivity of police and magistrate in the case of sexual assault of a 4-year-old girl, summoned the Gurugram Police Commissioner.