India, Mar 07 : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said the powerful petroleum lobby is unlikely to support India’s transition to alternative energy sources because of its strong financial interest in fossil fuel imports.
Speaking at the compressed bio-gas conclave organised by the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) in Pune, Gadkari said the lobby benefits from the country’s large fossil fuel import bill and is opposing efforts to promote greener fuel alternatives.
Push for energy self-reliance
Gadkari noted that India currently imports around 86 percent of its energy needs, leading to an annual fossil fuel import bill of nearly ₹22 lakh crore. He said reducing this dependence is essential for strengthening the economy and ensuring long-term energy security.
According to the minister, promoting green and indigenous fuels will help reduce pollution, support the agricultural sector and move the country closer to its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy.
He also highlighted that ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia demonstrate the urgency of achieving greater energy independence.
Focus on cleaner transport ecosystem
The government is aiming to transform India’s transport sector into a smart, safe and sustainable system by 2030. Gadkari said several initiatives have already been launched to encourage non-polluting fuels and locally produced energy alternatives.
He emphasised that alternative fuels derived from agricultural resources can strengthen rural industries and create new employment opportunities in villages.
Growing industry interest
Gadkari said there is significant potential in the green fuel sector and many companies are investing in research and technology development.
He predicted that within the next few years, around 5,000 companies could be working in this field. However, he stressed that success will depend on technological reliability, productivity, cost efficiency and quality standards.
Resistance from fossil fuel interests
The minister also acknowledged that obstacles remain in the transition process. He said influential groups linked to fossil fuel imports have strong financial interests in maintaining the current system.
Despite this opposition, Gadkari expressed optimism that India is moving in the right direction, stating that the development of a green fuel economy will benefit the environment, the national economy and consumers in the long run.