Puri Flags Concern Over Wider Gulf Tensions; India Maintains 76–80 Days Of Oil Stocks

A widening of the Gulf crisis beyond its current zone of conflict could pose additional risks to global energy stability, while India currently has crude oil and gas reserves sufficient for 76–80 days, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday.

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Risk of Regional Spillover

Speaking to CNN-News18, the Minister said the present situation in the Gulf remains contained, but any expansion of the conflict could lead to wider disruptions across other regions as well.

“It may remain a conflict not confined to that theater ... you know, you could have problems elsewhere. Maybe some other theater starts off. That would be worrying,” Puri said.

He added that the evolving situation in the Gulf must be closely monitored, as escalation beyond the immediate conflict zone could create uncertainty in global supply chains linked to energy flows.

India’s Energy Reserve Position

The Minister stated that India has total oil and gas reserves adequate for 76–80 days of consumption. These include both crude oil and gas inventories available through commercial storage and strategic arrangements.

The figure shows India’s short-term ability to absorb external shocks originating from geopolitical tensions in the global context, especially in the regions of major oil supply.

India’s reliance on imported crude oil to satisfy domestic demand continues to be high, with a significant proportion of supplies tied to international markets and shipping routes crossing through vulnerable maritime regions.

Global Energy Stability Concerns

Puri’s remarks mirror concerns that the broader escalation of the Gulf crisis may have implications that go beyond the region, because the Gulf is key to world oil production and commerce.

Any disturbance in these supply networks will damage import-dependent countries like India, which still depends on consistent international flows of energy to meet domestic demand.

The Minister’s announcement comes at a time when the global energy markets are still turbulent with geopolitical concerns affecting supply expectations and trade stability.

India is closely monitoring the Gulf situation and concentrating on ensuring enough availability of petroleum through existing reserves and supply diversification efforts.

The current reserve position of 76-80 days offers a short-term buffer against external shocks but persistent disruptions to global supply lines is an area of major concern for policymakers.