ONGC Approves 1.75 MMT Strategic Oil Reserve Expansion at Mangaluru

The ONGC board has given green light to expand India's strategic petroleum reserve by adding 1.75 million metric tonnes (MMT) of storage capacity at Mangaluru, Karnataka. This expansion is critical as India faces evolving geopolitical threats, particularly after the Iran-Israel conflict exposed vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains.

CONTEXT: India maintains strategic reserves to buffer against supply disruptions. Current global reserves average 90 days of consumption; India aims to increase this buffer. The Mangaluru facility joins existing reserves at Visakhapatnam, Padur, and Udipi, creating a distributed network reducing single-point failure risks.

KEY FACTS: (1) Total investment outlay not yet disclosed; (2) Expected completion timeline under review; (3) Adds ~5-7% to India's current SPR capacity; (4) Aligns with National Energy Policy 2017 targets; (5) Demonstrates energy security prioritization post-COVID supply chain disruptions.

WHY IT MATTERS: Energy security is a critical pillar of national security. With 85% of crude imported, India faces vulnerability to Middle Eastern disruptions. This reserve provides strategic cushion, stabilizes domestic fuel prices during crises, and supports economic continuity.

EXAM ANGLE: Likely UPSC Mains GS-3 (Energy Security, Infrastructure) and GS-2 (Government initiatives). Potential questions: "Discuss India's strategic petroleum reserve strategy and its role in energy security," or MCQs on SPR capacity, locations. Also relevant for State PSC infrastructure/resource management.