Hardeep Puri Confirms India's Energy Resilience: Can Weather Hormuz Closure for 60 Days

Hardeep Puri Confirms India's Energy Resilience: Can Weather Hormuz Closure for 60 Days​

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that India is robustly positioned to manage energy supply disruptions lasting 30 to 60 days, even in a scenario where the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains closed. The minister addressed ongoing global concerns surrounding the waterway, emphasizing that India has proactively diversified its procurement network and maintains sufficient domestic reserves to mitigate immediate risks.

Navigating a "Worst-Case" Scenario in West Asia​

Addressing potential conflict escalation in the region, Puri assured the public that immediate energy security for India is stable. He revealed his personal comfort level regarding supply stability: “My comfort point used to be 60-60-60 which means 60 days of crude oil, natural gas and LPG - which I do have; I would say that's comfortable.”

Puri highlighted the nation's contingency planning, noting support from partner countries. He specifically mentioned assistance received from the UAE, stating that "UAE offered LPG cargoes directly to us." The minister added that India can handle such short-term disruptions thanks to its diversified supplies and supportive international friendships.

Reserves Status and Short-Term Stability​

Despite heightened global volatility in oil markets, Puri maintained confidence in India’s immediate energy outlook. He confirmed that India possesses approximately 76 to 80 days of reserves encompassing all types of energy supplies, including Strategic Petroleum Reserves.

Puri underscored the stability achieved by strategic procurement efforts. He stated, "We are quite okay for the next 30 to 60 days," reinforcing the nation's short-term resilience against geopolitical instability in the region.

Procurement Network Diversification and Global Management​

The minister detailed India’s significant reduction of supply risks through the expansion of its energy procurement network. Puri explained that while near 60 per cent of LPG imports and around 90 per cent of crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, India successfully managed the situation during past disruptions.

He revealed the breadth of international cooperation in sourcing fuel, noting, “We are buying energy from 41 countries across the world.” This extensive strategy allowed supply security to be maintained even amid heightened volatility in global oil markets.

The Global Outlook and Long-Term Risks​

While maintaining confidence in India’s short-term stability, Puri offered a stern caution regarding prolonged conflict scenarios. He warned that the outlook would change dramatically if the dispute drags on for several months.

Puri recounted advising someone about the worst-case scenario of an Iran war, stating: "If the crisis goes on till March 31, 2027. I replied: 'Wait a minute, then we are in a totally different ball game. That would be global depression'." This highlighted the long-term global economic risks associated with extended instability.

Puri also noted that India had managed two major global energy disruptions—referencing the Covid era and the Russia-Ukraine war—while successfully shielding domestic consumers from sharp fuel price increases.