Parliament Question: Dakshina Kannada as an Energy and Petroleum Logistics Hub

**Executive Summary** This document is the official response from the Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to questions raised in Lok Sabha concerning the role and development of Dakshina Kannada as an energy and petroleum logistics hub. It addresses the government's recognition of the region's strategic importance, infrastructure enhancements, and future investment plans. The response references initiatives already underway and planned projects to further solidify Mangaluru's position in the national energy landscape. It was prepared for the 29th of January, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Recognition of Dakshina Kannada's Strategic Role:** * Dakshina Kannada is recognized as a major energy hub due to its geographical advantage. * New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) and the presence of MRPL (15 MMPTA capacity) and oil companies like HPCL, IOC, BPCL, and GAIL-Mangalore are key factors. * **Port Infrastructure:** * New Mangalore Port caters to MRPL and other oil companies with adequate infrastructure for handling crude and products. * The port has 5 deep draft oil berths and 1 SPM. * 2 berths (No. 10 & 11) and SPM are dedicated for handling crude and POL products for MRPL. * 3 Multi User Liquid Berths (No.9, 12 & 13) are provided for handling POL products. * All berths are equipped with automated mechanized evacuation facility through pipelines. * **Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR):** * The Government of India (Gol), through ISPRL, has established SPR facilities. * SPR facilities have a total capacity of 5.33 MMT of crude oil. * SPR locations include Vishakhapatnam (1.33 MMT), Mangaluru (1.5 MMT), and Padur (2.5 MMT). * HPCL commissioned an underground cavern storage facility of 80 TMT capacity at Mangalore. * **Pipeline Network:** * The Petronet Mangalore Hassan Bangalore Pipeline is used for transportation of MS, HSD, and ATF. * **Investment for Improvement:** * MRPL has decided to invest Rs 714 crore towards positioning Mangaluru as an integrated petroleum, petrochemicals, and energy logistics hub. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder:** *Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL)* **Impact:** MRPL's refining capacity and operations are central to Dakshina Kannada's strategic importance. The port infrastructure and pipeline network are geared towards supporting MRPL's needs. Further investment is aimed at improving its efficiency and logistics. **Action Required:** MRPL is expected to execute the Rs 714 crore investment to improve port connectivity and operational efficiency. **Stakeholder:** *New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA)* **Impact:** NMPA plays a critical role in handling crude and product logistics. Enhancements and dedicated berths for crude and POL products contribute to the port's significance. **Action Required:** NMPA must continue to maintain and enhance the port infrastructure to support the growing energy hub. **Stakeholder:** *Oil Companies (HPCL, IOC, BPCL, GAIL-Mangalore)* **Impact:** These companies benefit from the infrastructure and strategic advantages of Dakshina Kannada, facilitating their operations related to refining, storage, and distribution of petroleum products. **Action Required:** The companies must effectively utilize the enhanced infrastructure and contribute to the region's growth as an energy hub. **Stakeholder:** *Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL)* **Impact:** ISPRL is responsible for managing the SPR facilities, contributing to the nation's energy security through crude oil storage. **Action Required:** ISPRL must maintain the SPR facilities to ensure operational readiness for short-term supply disruptions.

Key Entities Referenced