India Has 78-Day Energy Reserve, No Fertiliser Crisis Despite Iran War: Govt Tells Parliamentary Panel
The Union government assured a parliamentary committee on Monday that India faces no immediate energy or fertiliser crisis despite the ongoing West Asia conflict, and that supply chains could return to normal within four to five days if the situation de-escalates.
The assurance came during a nearly two-hour meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, which held discussions with senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Representatives from the Ministries of External Affairs, Commerce, and Petroleum also briefed the committee on contingency measures in place to protect India’s economic and strategic interests.
78-day energy buffer, fertiliser sourcing diversified
Officials told the panel that India currently holds energy reserves sufficient for more than 78 days — a significant buffer against any prolonged disruption to shipping routes or crude supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Concerns were raised over fertiliser imports, given that more than 30 per cent of India’s fertiliser-related supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said the government has already diversified sourcing channels and activated alternate procurement arrangements to prevent any shortage.
“There is no crisis relating to energy sources or fertiliser. The government is in touch with all available markets, including the US and others,” sources quoted officials as saying during the briefing.
Officials handling logistics and shipping told the committee that if hostilities ease, normal cargo movement could resume within four to five days. The government said extensive contingency planning has been undertaken across concerned ministries to keep supply chains functional if the regional crisis extends further. Efforts are also underway to ensure Indian ports and shipping infrastructure are prepared for rerouting or emergency cargo management if conditions worsen.
Panel chief: ‘Things are in control’
After the meeting, committee chairperson Sanjay Jha said the situation was being managed. “Things are in control at the moment. While the conflict is taking place elsewhere, we are confronting a completely new set of problems. Since it is currently unclear how long this situation will persist, the focus is on how to formulate effective long-term planning. I believe the government is doing a very commendable job,” Jha said.
The West Asia conflict has affected crude oil prices, shipping insurance costs, and international trade flows. The government said its focus remains on maintaining strategic reserves, diversifying import sources, and ensuring close coordination between ministries handling shipping, energy, trade, and diplomacy.