Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said biofuel will play a pivotal role in India’s energy transition, reducing crude oil imports, boosting farmers’ income, and accelerating the country’s journey towards energy self-reliance through initiatives such as the Biofuel Mission and Green Hydrogen Mission.
Key Highlights
- Hardeep Singh Puri says biofuel is central to India’s energy transition.
- Ethanol blending has saved ₹1.90 lakh crore in foreign exchange since 2014-15.
- Farmers earned over ₹1.6 lakh crore through the ethanol blending programme.
- India’s renewable energy capacity has reached 288.58 GW as of June 30, 2026.
New Delhi, July 27: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said biofuel will remain a key pillar of India’s energy transition, helping the country reduce dependence on imported crude oil while strengthening energy security and supporting sustainable economic growth. Highlighting flagship initiatives such as the Biofuel Mission, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and Samudra Manthan, the minister said these transformative programmes are laying the foundation for energy self-reliance under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He added that the expansion of domestic energy production and adoption of advanced technologies over the next five years will further establish India as a leading global energy power.
Emphasising the success of the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), Puri said the initiative has delivered significant economic and environmental benefits. According to official figures, ethanol blending with petrol from 2014-15 to May 2026 has saved more than ₹1.90 lakh crore in foreign exchange by replacing 310 lakh metric tonnes of imported crude oil. The programme has also generated additional income exceeding ₹1.6 lakh crore for farmers while reducing carbon emissions by over 930 lakh metric tonnes. The minister noted that biofuel not only strengthens India’s energy security but also creates sustainable income opportunities for farmers cultivating sugarcane, maize and rice.
India currently imports nearly 88.5% of its crude oil requirements, making energy diversification a strategic priority. The government said domestically produced ethanol provides a reliable alternative that reduces exposure to global oil price volatility and supply disruptions. By expanding the use of clean biofuels, India aims to lower fossil fuel dependence, promote rural development and accelerate the transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy ecosystem. These efforts complement the government’s broader strategy of enhancing domestic fuel production while promoting environmentally sustainable technologies.
India’s progress in renewable energy further reflects this transition. According to information tabled in Parliament, the country’s installed renewable energy capacity has increased nearly fourfold from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 288.58 GW as of June 30, 2026. Solar energy leads with 162.15 GW, followed by wind power (57.44 GW), hydropower (57.24 GW) and bio power (11.75 GW). Including 8.78 GW of nuclear capacity, India’s total installed non-fossil fuel electricity capacity now stands at 297.36 GW, underscoring the country’s commitment to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
With biofuel, renewable energy and green hydrogen emerging as key growth drivers, India is accelerating its transition towards energy security, clean mobility and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, while reducing import dependence and strengthening long-term sustainability.
