Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP) 

Mangaluru, Sep 17: There is apprehension that India might face oil shortage because of attack on oil units in Saudi Arabia. But it is gathered that Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) here has enough stock of crude and hence it does not have any problem in handling the situation for the present. 

It is said that MRPL has already got the supply of crude oil as per its quota from Saudi Arabia recently. Oil is also being supplied by some other states and countries. Therefore, for the present, there will not be any problem.

15 percent of the crude oil requirement of MRPL is met by Saudi Arabia. Whether Saudi Arabia will be able to maintain its crude oil supply as before is a question which has no answer as of now. MRPL sources say that so far they have not received any indication about the reduction or suspension of oil supply from that country. They added that the company does not face problems for the present as the quantum it expected to receive till this month end has already arrived. 

MRPL also gets oil from countries like Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Iraq in addition to Saudi Arabia. Preparations are afoot to maintain the oil supply at the current level even if Saudi fails to supply crude oil.   Crude oil is also received from Mumbai and Rajasthan. Oil from Iran was being received in the past at a cheaper rate, but it has stopped because of differences between Iran and USA. 

As India depends on Saudi Arabia for 80 percent of its requirement, oil situation in that country naturally will have some impact on the price of petroleum prices here. Managing director of MRPL, M Venkatesh, said that the union government will take suitable decision shortly about importing oil next month.