Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS

Prelims: Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), LPG, Energy Security, India-UAE Relations
Mains: GS Paper 2 & 3 — International Relations, Energy Security, Economy

Why in News?

India and the UAE are likely to sign important agreements related to strategic petroleum reserves and LPG cooperation during the Prime Minister’s visit to the UAE.

The move comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and concerns over global energy supply disruptions.

What are Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)?

Strategic Petroleum Reserves are:

➤ Emergency crude oil storage facilities maintained by governments.

Purpose:

✔ Handle supply disruptions
✔ Ensure energy security
✔ Stabilise fuel availability during crises

Key Highlights of the India-UAE Pact

1. Strategic Oil Storage Cooperation

India may allow UAE participation in:
➤ Oil storage facilities

This helps:

• Emergency preparedness
• Faster supply access

2. LPG Supply Expansion

The UAE is one of India’s major:
➤ LPG suppliers

The pact may ensure:

• Stable LPG imports
• Better energy availability

3. Energy Security Focus

India imports a large share of:

• Crude oil
• LPG

Thus, diversification of suppliers is important.

4. West Asia Context

The agreement gains importance because of:

• Strait of Hormuz tensions
• Regional conflicts
• Risk to oil transportation routes

Why is This Important for India?

1. Energy Security

Ensures uninterrupted fuel supply.

2. Economic Stability

Helps reduce:

• Inflationary pressure
• Supply shocks

3. Strategic Partnership

Strengthens:
➤ India-UAE bilateral ties

4. Emergency Preparedness

Stored oil can be used during:

• Wars
• Global crises
• Supply chain disruptions

Global Context

Countries like:

• USA
• China
• Japan

also maintain large strategic petroleum reserves.

India-Specific Impact

The agreement supports:

✔ Long-term energy planning
✔ Fuel security
✔ Economic resilience
✔ Strategic diplomacy

Special Note for Aspirants

Students preparing through UPSC Coaching Chandigarh and IAS Coaching Chandigarh should especially focus on topics related to:

• Energy security
• India-UAE relations
• Strategic reserves
• West Asia geopolitics

These areas are highly important for both Prelims and GS Paper 2 & 3.

Key Insight for UPSC

➤ Modern national security is not only military security.

It also includes:

✔ Energy security
✔ Supply chain resilience
✔ Strategic reserves

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. SPR stands for:

A. Strategic Petroleum Reserve
B. Special Petroleum Reserve
C. State Petroleum Reserve
D. Secure Petroleum Reserve

✅ Answer: A

Q2. LPG stands for:

A. Liquid Petroleum Gas
B. Liquefied Petroleum Gas
C. Limited Petroleum Gas
D. Light Petroleum Gas

✅ Answer: B

Q3. Strait of Hormuz is important because:

A. Major gold trade route
B. Major oil transportation route
C. Major tourism route
D. Military headquarters

✅ Answer: B

Q4. Strategic Petroleum Reserves are used during:

A. Festivals
B. Elections
C. Supply disruptions
D. Sports events

✅ Answer: C

Q5. UAE is important for India mainly because of:

A. Diamond exports
B. Oil and LPG supply
C. Agriculture
D. Textile imports

✅ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Energy security has become a major pillar of national security in the modern global economy.”
Discuss with reference to India’s strategic petroleum reserves and India-UAE energy cooperation.

FAQs

1. What is SPR?

Strategic Petroleum Reserve used during emergencies.

2. What is LPG?

Liquefied Petroleum Gas used mainly as fuel.

3. Why is the India-UAE pact important?

It strengthens India’s energy security.

4. Why is Strait of Hormuz important?

A major portion of global oil trade passes through it.

5. Which GS papers cover this topic?

GS2 and GS3.