India Urged to Enhance Biofuel Production for Self-Reliance

Nitin Gadkari highlights India's urgent need to ramp up biofuel production to reduce imports and achieve self-sufficiency. Addressing a gathering, he pointed out the significant import of bitumen and aviation fuel due to domestic production shortfalls, emphasizing the potential in bio-aviation fuel development.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized India's critical need to increase domestic biofuel production to curtail imports of bitumen and aviation fuel and achieve self-reliance. Speaking in Lonavala, he highlighted that national demand for bitumen is 120 lakh tonnes annually, but local production only covers about 50 lakh tonnes, resulting in hefty imports.

Gadkari detailed the rising costs and foreign exchange spent on petroleum imports, citing shortages impacting aviation fuel. He noted that flights from Nagpur would be limited due to fuel shortages. He applauded successful trials of bio-aviation fuel, which he believes can open new opportunities for farmers and reduce dependency on conventional fuel sources.

With examples of flights running on biofuel from agricultural sources, Gadkari stressed the potential for farmers to become vital energy providers. The minister also pointed to demonstrations of biofuel in helicopters and fighter jets, suggesting a transformative shift in the aviation sector.

He concluded by asserting that expanding biofuel, green energy, and hydrogen use will not only strengthen India's economy but also reinforce rural livelihoods, aligning with the vision of becoming a self-sufficient nation.