Gadkari flags energy security concerns, says India eyes 100% ethanol blending
New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that India should aim to achieve 100 per cent ethanol blending in fuel in the near future, , citing the need for energy self-reliance amid global uncertainties.
Speaking at a green transport conclave, Gadkari was quoted by NDTV Profit as saying that rising tensions in West Asia have underscored the risks associated with dependence on imported fossil fuels. He noted that India currently meets about 87 per cent of its oil requirement through imports, with an annual outlay of nearly ₹22 lakh crore.
“Given the ongoing global situation, it is necessary for us to become self-reliant in the energy sector,” he said, emphasising the need to scale up alternative fuels and biofuel production.
India has already introduced petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol, launched in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with vehicles now being adapted to run on E20 fuel with minor modifications.
Countries such as Brazil have adopted higher ethanol blending, offering a possible model as India expands its biofuel programme.
Gadkari was quoted by NDTV Profit as saying that reducing production costs to around one dollar per kilogram would be key to making India a global exporter of energy.
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
