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ONGC to Develop 1.75 MMT Strategic Petroleum Reserve at Mangaluru to Strengthen India's Energy Security
July 15, 2026
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has approved the development of a 1.75 million metric tonne (MMT) Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) at Mangaluru, Karnataka, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s energy security and emergency crude oil storage capacity. The project has received in-principle approval from ONGC’s Board and will serve as an extension of the existing strategic petroleum reserve infrastructure in Mangaluru.
The decision comes amid increasing geopolitical uncertainties and recent disruptions in global oil supply chains, reinforcing the need for larger emergency crude reserves. India, the world’s third-largest importer and consumer of crude oil, is expanding its strategic storage network to safeguard against supply disruptions and price volatility.
The proposed facility will be developed in the national interest, with ONGC expected to seek government approval for limited commercial utilization of the storage infrastructure. The company has not yet announced the project’s cost or construction timeline.
India currently maintains strategic petroleum reserves at Mangaluru, Padur, and Visakhapatnam, with a combined storage capacity of approximately 5.33 million metric tonnes managed by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL). The new Mangaluru expansion will significantly enhance the country’s emergency stockpiling capabilities while complementing future strategic storage projects planned in Odisha and Karnataka.
Located adjacent to Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), the expanded reserve is expected to improve operational efficiency and strengthen India’s overall energy resilience. As the country accelerates its industrial growth and energy demand, strategic petroleum reserves remain a critical component of ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies during global market disruptions.
