Speaking at the inauguration of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the role of India’s ethanol blending initiative in reducing the country’s dependence on imported crude oil, especially at a time when global energy markets are under strain due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Addressing the gathering, he expressed gratitude to sugarcane farmers from Western Uttar Pradesh, acknowledging their contribution to ethanol production, which has helped the country save substantial foreign exchange. He stated that without ethanol blending, India would have been required to import approximately 4.5 crore additional barrels of crude oil, thereby increasing financial pressure on the economy.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come against the backdrop of rising global crude oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, a region that accounts for more than 40 per cent of India’s oil imports. He emphasised that initiatives like ethanol blending have played a crucial role in cushioning the impact of such external disruptions.
India’s ethanol blending programme, aimed at lowering crude oil imports, conserving foreign exchange, and reducing carbon emissions, has seen significant progress in recent years. The country successfully achieved its target of blending 20 per cent ethanol with petrol ahead of schedule, marking a major milestone. From April 1 onward, oil marketing companies have been directed to supply ethanol-blended petrol, commonly referred to as E20, across all states and Union Territories. The government has further set an ambitious goal of increasing this blending ratio to 30 per cent by the year 2030.
According to data from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, India has saved nearly ₹1.36 lakh crore in foreign exchange over the past decade as a result of reduced reliance on imported crude oil.
In addition to discussing energy policy, the Prime Minister also called for unity and resilience among citizens in the face of global uncertainties. He urged people to remain calm and patient while dealing with the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis, stressing the importance of prioritising national interests.
He further noted that India is actively addressing the implications of the West Asia conflict and reaffirmed that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure there is no disruption in fuel availability for the public.
