🛢️ India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves to be Expanded: Cabinet Approves New Sites

🧭 Thematic Focus:

Energy Security | Infrastructure | Strategic Planning

🌟 Introductory Glimpse:

Recognizing the critical importance of energy security, the Union Cabinet has approved the expansion of India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR). New underground storage sites will be created to safeguard against global oil market disruptions, strengthen supply resilience, and ensure India’s energy independence goals.

🛤️ Key Highlights:

• Cabinet approved new underground SPR sites to expand India’s emergency oil reserves.
• Sites identified include Chandikhol (Odisha) and Padur (Karnataka).
• The expansion aims to add 6.5 million metric tonnes of crude oil storage capacity.
• SPRs help buffer India against oil supply disruptions and price shocks.
• Moves align with India’s vision of energy security and resilience against global market volatility.

📜 GS Paper Mapping:

• GS Paper 3: Energy Resources | Infrastructure | Economy
• GS Paper 2: Government Policies and Schemes

🪄 A Thought Spark — by IAS Monk:

“Beneath the silent earth, a nation stores its tomorrow’s breath.”