India is establishing strategic petroleum reserves at six new locations to strengthen energy security amid global oil supply concerns. Engineers India Ltd has been tasked with preparing feasibility reports for the proposed sites, including locations in Mangalore Special Economic Zone and Bikaner, Rajasthan.

The expansion aims to increase India's reserve capacity to 90 days, addressing the country's vulnerability as it imports 85% of its crude oil and consumes 5.5 million barrels daily. Current reserves at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur hold 5.33 million metric tonnes, covering just 9.5 days of national needs.

The initiative gains urgency from recent West Asia tensions and risks to the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of global oil shipments. India is also exploring alternative supply routes through UAE and Saudi pipelines to reduce dependence on the strait while diversifying sourcing from 39 oil-exporting countries.