New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for India to set an ambitious target of achieving 100 percent ethanol blending in fuel, stressing the need for greater energy self reliance in the face of global uncertainties.
Speaking at a green transport conclave, Gadkari pointed to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia as a reminder of India’s vulnerability due to its heavy dependence on imported oil. He noted that the country currently meets a large portion of its energy needs through imports, making it essential to accelerate the shift toward alternative and domestically produced fuels.
India has already taken steps in this direction, with the introduction of petrol blended with 20 percent ethanol. Vehicles today can operate on such blended fuel with minor engine adjustments, aimed at preventing corrosion and maintaining efficiency. Gadkari suggested that scaling this effort further could significantly cut fuel import bills while also reducing environmental impact.
He emphasised that the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency Phase III norms, set to be implemented next year, are unlikely to adversely affect electric or flex fuel vehicles. This, he said, creates an opportunity to expand cleaner mobility solutions without placing additional burdens on emerging technologies.
Highlighting broader alternatives, Gadkari described green hydrogen as a promising fuel for the future but acknowledged challenges related to cost and transportation. He stressed the importance of making hydrogen production more affordable and developing efficient distribution systems to ensure its viability as a large scale energy source.
The minister also underlined the potential of producing fuel from waste, linking it to the concept of a circular economy that could generate employment while addressing environmental concerns. At the same time, he acknowledged that while reducing reliance on petrol and diesel vehicles is necessary, consumers cannot be compelled to abandon them entirely.
He urged automobile manufacturers to prioritise quality over cost, noting that higher standards would help Indian products compete more effectively in global markets.
