New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that ethanol blending in petrol has significantly reduced India’s dependence on crude oil imports.
Addressing the inauguration of the first phase of the Noida International Airport at Jewar, Modi thanked sugarcane farmers for contributing to the success of the 20% ethanol blending target.
He said that without ethanol blending, India would have had to import an additional 4.5 crore barrels — around 700 crore litres — of crude oil from abroad. “The country has benefited from the hard work of farmers, and they have also been rewarded. This is money that would have otherwise gone out of the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that improved connectivity infrastructure will boost the food processing sector in western Uttar Pradesh and enhance access to global markets.
His remarks come amid rising crude oil prices due to ongoing tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran. Modi acknowledged the inflationary impact of the conflict and said the government is taking steps to ensure that the burden does not fall on citizens.
India has already achieved its target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol ahead of schedule, marking a key milestone in reducing import dependence and promoting cleaner energy alternatives.
