Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) has completed its highest-ever winter stocking operation in Ladakh, supplying over one lakh kilolitres of petroleum products ahead of the region's annual winter shutdown.

Every year, access to Ladakh is cut off from December to April due to heavy snowfall at high mountain passes like Zojila and Rohtang. To ensure uninterrupted fuel supply during this period, IOCL undertakes advance stocking. These supplies are vital for both civilians and the strategic needs of the Indian Army. Indian Oil's tanker drivers and field teams operate on some of the toughest fuel supply routes in the world, covering 1,600-2,000 km over seven to eight days. They work in extreme conditions, with temperatures dropping to -20°C, facing snowfall, low oxygen levels, and narrow mountain roads.

Logistics are further disrupted by weather conditions, seasonal congestion during the Amarnath Yatra, and apple transportation peaks.