ONGC Approves 1.75 Million-Tonne Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Mangaluru
State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has approved the development of a 1.75 million metric tonne (MT) strategic petroleum reserve in Mangaluru, Karnataka, as India strengthens its emergency crude oil storage capacity amid global energy supply risks. The project aims to improve the country's long-term energy security and will require government approval for commercial use.
India's largest oil and gas producer, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), has given in-principle approval to build a 1.75 million MT national strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) in Mangaluru, Karnataka, according to a stock exchange filing.
The announcement comes as India reviews its energy security strategy following recent geopolitical disruptions that affected global oil supplies. The new facility will add to India's existing strategic crude storage infrastructure, which currently includes underground reserves at Mangaluru, Padur and Visakhapatnam (Vizag) with a combined capacity of about 5.33 million MT.
ONGC said it will seek approval from the central government if the storage facility is to be used for commercial purposes in the national interest.
ONGC strategic petroleum reserve
The new reserve is intended to strengthen India's ability to respond to global supply disruptions after recent tensions in West Asia highlighted the vulnerability of international energy routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes.
India has also been expanding energy cooperation with countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Japan to reinforce emergency crude stockpiles. According to recent announcements, India is additionally planning new strategic storage facilities at Chandikhol (Odisha) and an expanded facility at Padur (Karnataka).
Official Statements
According to ONGC's stock exchange filing, the company will develop the strategic petroleum reserve at Mangaluru and seek the Union government's permission for any commercial utilisation of the storage facility in the national interest.
India is the world's third-largest importer and consumer of crude oil, making uninterrupted energy supplies critical for the country's economy.
Expanding strategic petroleum reserves helps the government:
Improve energy security during international crises.
Reduce the impact of global supply disruptions.
Strengthen emergency crude oil availability.
Enhance long-term resilience against geopolitical risks.
The project also reinforces India's broader strategy of increasing crude storage capacity while diversifying international energy partnerships.
Key Facts at a Glance
Focus Keyword: ONGC strategic petroleum reserve
Organisation: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Project: 1.75 million MT Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Location: Mangaluru, Karnataka
Announcement: July 10, 2026
Purpose: Strengthen India's emergency crude oil storage
Current Status: Approved in principle by ONGC Board; government approvals required for commercial use.
The project will move into the planning and regulatory approval phase. ONGC is expected to coordinate with the Government of India regarding implementation and any future commercial utilisation of the storage facility. No construction timeline or project cost has been officially announced.
