Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 29: Amid rising energy concerns triggered by the West Asia conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the success of India’s ethanol blending policy, stating it has significantly reduced the country’s dependence on imported crude oil.

Addressing a gathering during the inauguration of the Noida International Airport, the Prime Minister credited sugarcane farmers, particularly from western Uttar Pradesh, for contributing to substantial savings in foreign exchange.

“Had it not been for ethanol blending, we would have had to import 4.5 crore barrels of crude oil,” Modi said, underlining the role of farmers in strengthening India’s energy security.

India imports over 40 per cent of its crude oil requirements from the Middle East, making it vulnerable to geopolitical tensions in the region. With global oil prices rising due to the ongoing conflict, the government has emphasised alternative energy strategies to cushion the impact.

The ethanol blending programme—aimed at reducing crude imports, cutting emissions, and saving foreign exchange—has seen rapid progress. India achieved its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol ahead of schedule, and from April 1, ethanol-blended fuel (E20) will be supplied across all states and Union Territories.

The government has further set a target of increasing ethanol blending to 30 per cent by 2030.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the initiative has helped India save around Rs 1.36 lakh crore in foreign exchange over the past decade by lowering crude oil imports.

Calling for unity during the global crisis, Modi urged citizens to remain calm and focused. “This is a global challenge, but we must prioritise India’s interests. Unity and patience are our greatest strengths,” he said.

He also assured that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply despite disruptions in global energy markets.