Amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, a big tanker carrying Saudi Arabian crude oil has safely reached Mumbai. This ship has crossed the Strait of Hormuz and reached India, which has reduced the concerns regarding fuel supply. According to reports, the Liberian-flagged oil tanker, Shenlong (Suezmax), departed from Saudi Arabia carrying about 135,335 metric tons of crude oil. This ship is run by Dynacom Tankers Management of Athens.
The tanker is believed to be the first major oil tanker to cross the Strait of Hormuz and reach India during the recent regional tensions. On reaching Mumbai, the ship stopped at the port, from where the crude oil would be transported to the refineries located in the Mahul area of East Mumbai. Sources say the ship briefly switched off its AIS tracking system, which is used to provide a ship’s location, for security reasons while passing through sensitive waters. The tanker reappeared on the tracking system on 9 March and reached Mumbai on 11 March.
India’s crude oil reserves
Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the safe arrival of shipments from Saudi Arabia is considered very important for India, because a large part of the country’s energy needs depend on crude oil coming from the Gulf. However, the government has advised the country not to pay attention to rumours. India has large reserves of crude oil and petroleum products. The country has total oil stocks of more than 250 million barrels till March 2026. This volume is estimated to be approximately equal to 40 billion litres.
According to experts, if an emergency occurs, this stockpile can meet the needs of the entire country for about 7 to 8 weeks, or about two months. This total reserves include several sources: petroleum reserves, stocks held in oil refineries, and crude oil coming to India by sea.
