**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to a parliamentary question regarding the establishment of an oil depot in Mizoram. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas acknowledges that Mizoram experiences periodic fuel shortages, but asserts that existing infrastructure, including 115 retail outlets and logistical support, is generally adequate to meet demand. Supply disruptions are attributed to local issues such as road blockages.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) initially considered a site at Bairabi, which was deemed unsuitable. An alternate site at Sairang was then offered by the Mizoram government. However, assessment revealed significant engineering and logistical challenges due to the hilly terrain, elevation differences, and seismic activity, leading to high project costs.
The Ministry concludes that establishing a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) depot at the proposed Sairang location is not economically viable, considering the state's relatively low demand for petroleum products, even when aggregating the requirements of all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Key Entities Referenced
Suresh Gopi: Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Union Government: The central government of India, which is being asked to expedite the oil depot process.
Mizoram: A state in Northeast India facing periodic fuel shortages due to the absence of an oil depot.
PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS: The Ministry responsible for matters related to petroleum and natural gas.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL): A Public Sector Oil Marketing Company (OMC) tasked with setting up an oil depot in Mizoram.
Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs): Organizations responsible for the distribution and sale of petroleum products.
Bairabi, Mizoram: Initial location offered by the Government of Mizoram for the oil depot, but found unsuitable.
Sairang, Mizoram: Alternate site offered by the Government of Mizoram for the oil depot, but presents engineering and logistical challenges.
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2013
TO BE ANSWERED ON 31ST JULY, 2025
Establishment of Oil Depot in Mizoram
2013. Shri Richard Vanlalhmangaiha:
पे(cid:367)ोिलयम और (cid:255)ाकृितक गैस मं(cid:253)ी
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that the State of Mizoram continues to face periodic
fuel shortages due to the absence of an oil depot and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has taken any concrete steps for setting
up an oil depot in Mizoram;
(c) if so, the details of the proposed location, current status of land acquisition and timeline
for commencement and completion of the project;
(d) if not, the reasons for delay; and
(e) whether the Union Government intends to expedite the process in consultation with the
State Government and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
पे(cid:367)ोिलयम और (cid:255)ाकृितक गैस मं(cid:253)ालय म(cid:164) रा(cid:186)यमं(cid:253)ी
( )
(cid:174)ी सरु ेश गोपी
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
(SHRI SURESH GOPI)
(a) Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have informed that currently, there are
115 Retail Outlets (ROs) across the state of Mizoram. Adequate infrastructure is in place
to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply across the state. This includes a well-maintained fleet
of tank trucks and sufficient logistical support. Indents (demand requests) received from
ROs and customers are executed promptly. However, at times, supply situation gets
affected owing to local issues like road blockage etc.
(b) to (e) Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has informed that the Government of
Mizoram had initially offered land at Bairabi. However, after evaluation, the site was
found unsuitable for development of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) Depot.
Subsequently, an alternate site at Sairang was offered. Upon assessment, it was found that
the proposed site presents significant engineering and logistical challenges due to its hilly
terrain, substantial elevation differences, and its earthquake-prone zone. These locational
factors contribute to a substantially high project cost. Considering the relatively low
demand volume of petroleum products in the state even after aggregating the requirements
of all OMCs and substantially high project cost at the proposed location due to above
factors, it has not been found economically viable to establish POL Depot at this location.
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