Indian Oil, Army inaugurate bulk fuel storage facility in Ladakh to boost winter logistics & energy security

New Delhi: State-run Indian Oil Corporation has inaugurated a bulk petroleum storage facility in Ladakh in coordination with the Indian Army, aimed at strengthening fuel security and logistics in high-altitude and forward areas.

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The development was announced by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, who said the new installation has been designed to operate in extreme terrain and harsh climatic conditions to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability during prolonged winters.

Facility to support winter stocking, forward readiness

“India’s leading energy Maharatna @IndianOilcl, along with @adgpi, has inaugurated a Bulk Petroleum Storage facility in Ladakh to strengthen energy security in high-altitude regions,” Puri said in a post on X. “Engineered for extreme terrain, this installation will power India’s Advanced Winter Stocking (AWS) operations, and significantly enhance operational readiness in forward areas.”

The facility is aimed at strengthening fuel logistics for the Indian Army in high-altitude regions while also ensuring uninterrupted supply to civilian populations, which is critical during the winter months when road access is frequently disrupted by snowfall.

IOC highlights national security role

Responding to the minister’s post, IOC Chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney said the project reflects the company’s continued focus on supporting national priorities.

“Thank you, Hon’ble Minister @HardeepSPuri ji, for highlighting this milestone. This facility in Ladakh will greatly strengthen energy security in high-altitude regions and support Advanced Winter Stocking operations in forward areas,” Sahney said. “#IndianOil remains focused on delivering dependable energy solutions in service of national priorities.”

Built for extreme conditions

According to IOC, the storage units are advanced in design, largely underground, and engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, enhancing safety, reliability and operational efficiency. Strategic fuel storage is considered vital in Ladakh, where fuel transportation involves long supply routes and repeated disruptions due to snow-bound roads.

The infrastructure is expected to play a key role in maintaining the operational readiness of troops and armoured vehicles deployed near the Line of Actual Control, while also supporting sustained civilian supply during winter.

Long-standing presence in Ladakh

Indian Oil has maintained a presence in Ladakh since the 1970s, operating energy infrastructure that supports both defence and civilian requirements. The company runs a petroleum bulk storage depot near Leh at an altitude of over 3,400 metres and operates the world’s highest LPG bottling plant at Phey village in Leh district.

The LPG facility now runs on solar power, reducing diesel consumption, while IOC has also introduced a special winter-grade diesel for Ladakh that remains functional at temperatures as low as minus 33 degrees Celsius, ensuring uninterrupted vehicle operations during harsh winters.

The newly inaugurated bulk petroleum storage facility, developed in coordination with the Indian Army, is seen as a critical step in securing fuel supply chains in Ladakh and strengthening energy resilience in one of India’s most challenging regions.

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