Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) played a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply to the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor, with demand surging up to four times the usual levels, a senior official said on Wednesday.
Rakesh Kumar, Chief Terminal Manager at Indian Oil, said the state-run energy major swiftly mobilised fuel vessels from Paradip and Haldia refineries to meet the sudden spike in defence requirements across the strategically vital Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
“During Operation Sindoor, defence demand increased at least fourfold, and we ensured timely supply by positioning our vessels from the mainland refineries,” Kumar noted during a media interaction at the IOC POL Terminal in Port Blair.
Highlighting Indian Oil’s logistical agility, he said that on several occasions, fuel vessels were dispatched within just three days of a request from the Indian Navy. “This reflects our high level of preparedness and coordination with defence agencies,” he added.
Indian Oil supplies multiple fuel types from its Port Blair terminal, including petrol, diesel, low-sulphur HFHSD, and HSD. With a storage capacity of 27,000 kilolitres, the facility maintains a 25-day reserve on average to handle emergencies such as cyclones or fuel shortages.
Kumar also revealed expansion plans, including acquiring new land at Hope Town near their bottling plant to scale up infrastructure.
V. Ranganathan, Chief General Manager from Indian Oil’s West Bengal State Office, acknowledged the logistical complexities of Port Blair, stating, “It’s one of the most unique and challenging supply locations in the country.”
Operation Sindoor underscored Indian Oil’s vital role in national defence logistics, demonstrating its capability to scale operations swiftly under pressure.
