With Union Minister Nitin Gadkari pushing for a future shift toward 100% ethanol blending, India may considerably speed its transition to alternate energy. The recommendation is made in the midst of growing worries about energy security that are connected to geopolitical conflicts around the world.
Speaking at a green transport summit, Gadkari emphasized the need to lessen reliance on imported fossil fuels, pointing out that India now imports around 87% of its oil needs at an annual cost of about ₹22 lakh crore. Increasing the use of ethanol beyond the current E20 blend could promote cleaner energy while reducing reliance on imports.
Under the government’s biofuel initiative, which was backed by Narendra Modi in 2023, India has already released E20 gasoline. Increases in vehicle technology, especially the broader use of flex-fuel engines, would be necessary to move toward higher blending levels.
Gadkari cited the widespread use of ethanol in nations like Brazil. Although there are still issues with pricing and transportation, he also emphasized green hydrogen as a long-term option.
The minister went on to say that although switching to cleaner fuels is crucial, consumers must accept them gradually rather than forcing them to stop driving gasoline and diesel cars right immediately.
Source – NDTV Profit
