New Delhi:India's three strategic reserves currently hold an estimated 3.372 million tons - or two-third its maximum capacity - junior Petroleum Minister Suresh Gopi told Parliament Monday, citing data released by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd, the federal body that monitors SPRs.

Actual SPR levels, though, will vary based on market conditions like supply and consumption, the minister cautioned, and are distinct from stocks of refined petroleum products, i.e., like petrol and diesel.

In addition, current total reserves - i.e., SPRs, which hold unrefined or crude oil, and ready-to-use fuel - are at 74 days, Gopi said, "... which includes stores with oil marketing companies".

The minister also said India's SPR capacity is being expanded by 6.5 million tons, with a fourth facility in Odisha to store four million and storage in Karnataka being increased to 2.5 million.

India's SPRs - an underground facility in Andhra Pradesh and two more in Karnataka - can store of 5.33 million tonnes.

Assuming capacity at 100 per cent, these should provide cover for 9.5 days during disruptions such as the Iran war.

Supply of crude and gas from West Asia - a major source of both for India - has been a point of concern since the war crippled tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway over which Iran exerts geographic control.

Source:Ndtv