Kolkata: India has demonstrated that energy security is not only about securing supplies but also about building resilience before a crisis emerges, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday while addressing the curtain-raiser of India Energy Week (IEW) 2027 in Kolkata.
Puri said recent disruptions in global energy flows had highlighted the importance of diversified supplies, expanded refining capacity, stronger infrastructure, storage and policy preparedness. The fifth edition of India Energy Week will be held from January 28 to 31, 2027, at the New Town Convention Centre in Kolkata.
Hardeep Singh Puri Highlights India’s Energy Resilience
Puri said India had been able to protect domestic consumers from global energy disruptions despite pressures on international energy flows.
“Energy resilience is not built when a crisis arrives; it is built before the crisis arrives,” Puri said.
He highlighted diversification of energy supplies, increased refining capacity, infrastructure expansion and storage as key elements of India’s energy security strategy.
According to the Minister, India is also strengthening its energy resilience through initiatives such as:
- Samudra Manthan
- GOBARdhan
- Expansion of piped natural gas (PNG)
- Diversification of crude and energy supplies
- Expansion of domestic refining and infrastructure capacity
Global Energy Challenge Is Also About Logistics
Puri said the world is not short of energy and that the bigger challenge is moving energy through supply routes.
He said around 104 million barrels of crude oil are available globally each day, compared with consumption of about 94 million barrels, and pointed to logistics and distribution as key challenges.
He also referred to disruptions affecting major energy routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and said the current geopolitical situation had affected a significant portion of global energy movement.
Puri said India had reduced its exposure to disruptions by diversifying its crude procurement. According to figures cited by him, India now sources crude from 41 countries, compared with 27 earlier.
LPG Supply Remains a Key Concern
Puri identified LPG availability as one of the government’s major concerns amid global energy disruptions.
He said the number of domestic LPG connections in India has increased substantially over the years.
Key figures cited by the Minister include:
- Domestic LPG connections: 33.5 crore, compared with 14 crore in 2014
- Domestic LPG production: 54,000 metric tonnes per day, compared with 34,000 metric tonnes earlier
- Crude sourcing countries: 41, up from 27
The government is also encouraging consumers to shift to alternative energy sources where feasible, Puri said.
Government Focuses on Fuel Availability and Affordability
Puri said the government’s approach is to ensure availability and affordability of energy.
He referred to three reductions in central excise duties on fuel—in November 2021, May 2022 and March 10, 2026. According to the Minister, the March 2026 reduction lowered petrol and diesel prices by ₹10 per litre.
Puri also said public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) were facing under-recoveries of around ₹530 crore per day, for which the government had provided financial support.
India Energy Week 2027 to Focus on Energy Security and Innovation
IEW 2027 will be held under the theme “Unlocking Innovation. Securing Energy. Shaping Tomorrow.” The event is expected to bring together policymakers, energy companies, investors, technology providers and other stakeholders from across the global energy sector.
The official event platform lists key areas including:
- Oil and gas
- LNG
- Refining and petrochemicals
- Hydrogen
- Biofuels
- Renewable energy
- Energy storage
- Artificial intelligence and digitalisation
- Next-generation clean technologies
The organisers describe the event as a platform for developing practical solutions around energy security, affordability and sustainability.
IEW 2027 Expected to Be Larger in Scale
The 2027 edition is expected to expand significantly in terms of participation and exhibition space.
According to the figures cited for the upcoming event, IEW 2027 is expected to feature:
- 75,000+ energy professionals
- 700+ international exhibitors
- 23,500 square metres of exhibition space
- 12 country pavilions
- Around 25,500 pre-registered visitors
- 540 speakers
- 109 conference sessions
The official IEW platform currently confirms the event dates and venue and says the 2027 edition will convene more than 75,000 energy professionals and 700+ international exhibitors.
From Bengaluru to Kolkata: India Energy Week’s Growth
India Energy Week was launched in Bengaluru in 2023 and has expanded in scale and international participation over subsequent editions.
According to figures cited by Puri, the 2023 edition recorded more than 35,000 participants, 326 exhibitors and 60 sessions. By 2026, participation had increased to around 75,000, with 700 exhibitors, 100 conferences, 120 conference sessions and 550 global expert speakers, representing more than 120 countries.
The official government release said the 2026 edition in Goa brought together more than 75,000 energy professionals, 700 exhibiting companies and participants from over 120 countries, underlining the event’s expansion since its 2023 debut.
Kolkata to Host India Energy Week for the First Time
The 2027 edition will take India Energy Week to Kolkata and eastern India for the first time.
The government said the move provides businesses, institutions and energy stakeholders from eastern India an opportunity to engage with international partners and participate in global energy discussions.
The event is scheduled as follows:
- Event: India Energy Week 2027
- Dates: January 28–31, 2027
- Venue: New Town Convention Centre, Kolkata
- Edition: Fifth
- Theme: “Unlocking Innovation. Securing Energy. Shaping Tomorrow.”
India Seeks Larger Role in Global Energy Dialogue
Puri said India is increasingly moving beyond the role of being a major energy-consuming economy and is contributing to discussions on the future of the global energy system.
He said India was demonstrating that economic growth, energy security and decarbonisation could advance together.
IEW 2027 is expected to provide a platform for discussions on energy security, affordability, investment, technology and the transition towards lower-carbon energy systems. The official programme also places emphasis on innovation, global partnerships and technologies supporting a more secure and sustainable energy future.
The event will bring together governments, global energy companies, investors, technology providers and policymakers as India seeks to expand its role in the international energy conversation.
Read also: RECPDCL Hands Over Balsane Power Transmission SPV to Resonia for Maharashtra Project
