How Much Oil Does India Have Left Amid the Global War — And What Happens Next?

As the world is witnessing an increase in global geopolitical risks, especially in the Middle East region, the energy security situation for India is again a point for concern. When a nation relies on imports for nearly 85% of its crude oil requirements, a disruption in the global supply chain can cause a flurry of activity at the national level.

How Much Oil Does India Currently Have?

As a precautionary measure, the nation maintains a Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), a collection of emergency crude oil stocks.

As of early 2026, India's SPR capacity stands at 5.33 million metric tonnes. However, the current SPR stands at 3.3-3.7 million metric tonnes.

This can sustain the nation's crude oil requirements for up to 9 to 10 days. With the current SPR standing at less than full capacity, the availability may only last for 6 to 8 days.

In addition to the SPR, the nation also maintains stocks at its refining and pipeline facilities. This can provide a total availability for 20-25 days under normal circumstances.

However, this is still much lower than the 90-day mark for the same requirements for other nations.

Why Is the War Affecting India’s Oil Supply?

The war has affected the Strait of Hormuz, through which a major portion of the nation's crude oil imports travel.

Any disruption in the region can cause:

• Delays in shipments

• Increase in insurance costs

• Crude oil availability will be less

At the same time, global crude oil prices have gone up sharply in recent weeks, reportedly crossing $150 per barrel, almost doubling from earlier levels.

What Does This Mean for India?
The impact is already being felt on several fronts:

1. Fuel Prices
   The global crude oil price increase will reflect in higher petrol, diesel, and LPG prices in India. The government subsidies will take a hit, and oil companies will also be affected.
   
   

2. Inflation
   The increase in fuel prices will lead to higher transportation costs, which will reflect in higher prices of essential commodities, including food items.
   
   

3. Tightening of Oil Supplies
   Though India is not currently facing a shortage of oil, if the global crisis continues, it may lead to selective oil shortages, especially for industrial use, but domestic use would take priority.
   
   

4. Higher Oil Bill
   A sharp increase in global crude oil prices will also increase India's oil bill substantially, impacting India's financial and currency positions.
   
   

Is India at Risk of Running Out of Oil?

India is not currently at risk of running out of oil. The country is receiving oil from several countries, including Russia, the United States, and Latin America.

The crisis, however, does underscore India's major weakness, which is its dependence on imported oil and its lack of strategic oil reserves.

What Is India Doing to Manage the Situation?

India is taking several proactive steps:

• Diversifying crude oil sources

• Expanding strategic oil reserves

• Investing more in alternative sources of energy

• Engaging in diplomacy with major oil-supplying countries
  
  

Summing it up:

The current crisis, however, is not so much about a shortage of oil as about long-term energy security, considering the fact that India lacks sufficient oil reserves and its dependence on imported oil is high.

The ongoing war also brings home a harsh reality: in a globalised world, energy security is not merely an economic requirement; it is a strategic necessity.

Sources
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India
Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL)
International Energy Agency (IEA) – Oil Market Reports (2026)
Reuters – Global Oil Supply & India Import Trends
The Economic Times – Crude Price & Energy Risk Analysis
The Indian Express – Strategic Petroleum Reserve Data