India must accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels and biofuels to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen long-term energy security, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said.
Highlighting the economic burden of large-scale crude oil and fuel imports, Gadkari stressed the need to diversify the country’s energy mix through greater use of biofuels, ethanol, compressed biogas, green hydrogen and other renewable energy sources. He noted that reducing reliance on conventional fossil fuels would help lower the nation’s import bill while supporting environmental sustainability goals.
The minister emphasized that India possesses significant potential to develop a robust alternative fuel ecosystem by leveraging agricultural resources, biomass and waste-to-energy technologies. Expanding the production and use of biofuels can create new income opportunities for farmers while contributing to cleaner transportation and industrial operations, he said.
Gadkari has consistently advocated the use of ethanol-blended fuels and bioenergy solutions as part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy self-sufficiency. According to industry experts, increased adoption of alternative fuels could help mitigate exposure to global oil price volatility and geopolitical disruptions that affect energy supplies.
The push for alternative fuels aligns with India’s wider efforts to promote sustainable mobility and meet its climate commitments. Government initiatives supporting ethanol blending, compressed biogas production, electric mobility and green hydrogen development are expected to play a key role in the country’s energy transition.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the emphasis on biofuels, noting that a stronger domestic alternative fuel sector could reduce import dependence, strengthen rural economies and encourage investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Expanding production capacity and developing supporting supply chains will be crucial to achieving these objectives.
As India’s energy demand continues to grow alongside economic expansion, policymakers are increasingly focusing on diversified and domestically sourced energy solutions. Gadkari’s call for greater adoption of alternative fuels underscores the government’s efforts to balance energy security, economic growth and environmental sustainability while reducing the country’s fossil fuel import burden.