New Delhi: Petroleum Ministry officials have told a parliamentary standing committee that India currently has crude oil stocks sufficient for the next 78 days, and that a shortage is unlikely in the present situation.
The assurance came during a meeting of the Parliament standing committee that reviewed the impact of West Asia war-related tensions on maritime trade, under the domains of transport, tourism and culture.
Opposition MPs raised concerns over reports of petroleum products being supplied through rationing in some areas and motorists waiting in long queues to refuel. They also questioned why advance preparations were not made despite indications that the conflict could be prolonged.
Responding to the queries, officials said government efforts had helped bring back most of the 37 Indian ships that were earlier halted in West Asia. They added that due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, 13 Indian oil tankers remain stuck in the region, and that steps are being taken to prevent any supply disruption.
Separately, officials from the Union Fertilisers Ministry briefed the committee that fertiliser stocks are adequate to meet requirements for the upcoming Kharif season.
