India Saves ₹1.4 Lakh Crore via Ethanol Blending as Green Energy Transition Gains Pace: Hardeep Singh Puri

India’s green energy transition is progressing at an unprecedented pace, with significant economic and environmental gains, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri informed the Lok Sabha.

Highlighting India’s continued efforts to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, the minister said the country imports energy worth nearly ₹150 billion every year. However, with India achieving 20% ethanol blending, the nation has already saved about ₹1,40,000 crore on its import bill.

Puri said the ethanol blending programme has emerged as both an energy-security measure and a major rural economic reform. “As we diversify feedstock for ethanol production and now include crops like maize, which require less water, we have strengthened the agricultural economy by giving ₹40,000 crore annually to our farmers. This has transformed our Annadatas into Urjadatas,” he said.

Emphasising India’s rising global role in energy consumption, the minister noted that with nearly 5.6 million barrels per day consumption, India — set to become the world’s third-largest economy — is already the third-largest energy and oil consumer.

Puri also cited the International Energy Agency (IEA), which estimates that 35% of the global rise in energy demand over the next two decades will come from India, making the country a pivotal force in shaping future energy trends.

He further informed Parliament that ethanol-blended fuel is a significantly greener alternative, generating 65% less emissions, thereby contributing to India’s climate goals while accelerating the shift towards cleaner mobility.

With a strong policy push from the government and consistent expansion of clean energy initiatives, Puri said India remains firmly on track to achieving a secure, sustainable and self-reliant energy future under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.