PM Modi backs ethanol blending as key to reduce crude oil imports

Noida: Prime Minister Modi The Noida International Airport in Jewar was inaugurated on Saturday and the energy supply turmoil caused by the conflict in West Asia was discussed in detail, highlighting ethanol blending as a key strategy to reduce dependence on crude oil imports.Modi said that if ethanol was not blended into gasoline, the country would have to import an additional 450 million barrels of crude oil per year, equivalent to 7 billion liters.

“Farmers’ efforts in this regard have brought a lot of relief to the country during this time of global crisis,” he said. He added that ethanol production not only benefits the country but also farmers, saving about Rs 150 crore in foreign exchange. Jewar is the gateway to the sugarcane belt of western Uttar Pradesh. Sugarcane feedstock is the main source of ethanol.Government ensures supply, protects people from Fuel prices rise: ModiIn his recent speech in Parliament, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the progress in ethanol blending, from just 1-1.5% a decade ago to nearly 20% today. This reduces oil imports by about 45 billion barrels per year, he said, citing rail electrification, which has saved about 1.8 billion liters of diesel per year, as well as the expansion of the metro network.India achieved its E20 ethanol blending target – blending 20% ​​ethanol with gasoline – ahead of schedule in 2025, a target set by the Modi government to cut fuel import bills and reduce emissions. The All India Distillers Association has proposed supplying ethanol blends of more than 20%. The current cumulative production capacity of the Indian ethanol industry is about 20 billion liters, of which more than 10 billion liters are used for blending with gasoline.In his speech in Jewar, Modi also said that although crude oil prices have risen due to the war between the United States and Israel, India has made every effort to ensure supply and ensure that ordinary people are not affected by the price increases.“We are also importing fuel from war-affected areas. Every country is taking steps to deal with the problem. We are also taking all measures to ensure that the common people do not face any pressure,” he said. Global crude oil prices have surged, but this is not reflected in Indian retail petrol and diesel prices.“The issues arising from the war…we have discussed in Parliament. I have also spoken to the chief ministers of different states about this issue. I again appeal to people to resolve this issue in unity and peacefully. This is a global crisis. We have to care about our country, that is our strength. I also urge leaders of all political parties to avoid making statements that are not good for the country in such a crisis,” he said.