New Delhi, September 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday that India had navigated recent supply-chain disruptions amid geopolitical crises and maintained steady energy imports, reflecting the success of the country’s energy diplomacy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing members of the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Puri said, “Energy security today is not simply about securing supplies; it is also about navigating conflicts, chokepoints, volatile prices and sudden disruptions while keeping the country and its economy on the move.”
He said India had been able to overcome these challenges because its energy sector had prepared well in advance.
“Over the past decade, we diversified crude sourcing from 27 to 41 countries, built 5.33 MT of strategic reserves, raised refining capacity from 215 to 267 MMTPA, and expanded fuel outlets from about 52,000 to over 100,000 and LPG import terminals from 11 to 22,” Puri said.
As a result, while many parts of the world faced energy emergencies and price shocks, Indian petrol pumps remained supplied, LPG cylinders continued to reach households, and retail fuel prices remained contained, he added.
Puri said the theme of the event, “India’s Energy Security: Navigating Geopolitical Uncertainty”, was particularly relevant given the ongoing geopolitical crises around the world.
He also highlighted West Bengal’s energy potential, saying it could drive industry, investment, employment and regional connectivity. With oil and gas projects worth Rs 17,600 crore underway, the state is rapidly expanding its energy infrastructure.
The Haldia refinery has increased its capacity from 2.5 MMTPA in 1975 to 8 MMTPA and processed 8.5 MMT in FY 2025-26.
Puri further said that the oil discovery made in Ashoknagar in 2018 had entered commercial production, with the first crude consignment from ONGC reaching Haldia in August 2026, following an investment of nearly Rs 1,000 crore.
These and other developments are strengthening West Bengal’s role in India’s energy landscape, the minister added.
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