Guwahati (Assam) [India], April 2 : Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday assured that there is "no shortage of gas or fuel" in the country amid the escalating West Asia conflict, as the government has adopted various policies to ensure that people do not face any problems.
Speaking to ANI, Gadkari admitted to India's reliance on imports to fulfil its energy needs but also highlighted the government's approach of self-reliance by adopting alternative options to push for more export-centric trade.
"The govt has taken many steps, and today there is no shortage of gas or fuel in the country. Yes, there are difficulties. But due to the policies adopted by the govt, people are not facing any problems," the Union Minister said.
"Naturally, there are some problems because we import 86 per cent of energy. But we have brought electric cars, electric scooters and electric buses. We are working on Hydrogen. There are ethanol vehicles. We are bringing vehicles that run 100 per cent on ethanol. To achieve the goal of a self-reliant India, we need to reduce imports and increase exports," he added.
Nitin Gadkari further outlined the Centre's priority of indigenous and alternate sources, such as ethanol and electricity, to fulfil its energy needs.
"Today, we are spending Rs 22 lakh crores on importing fossil fuels. Today, we are focusing on solar power. The sale of electric trucks, electric buses, and electric scooters has increased by 40-50 per cent. We have established a bamboo grass-based bioethanol plant in Numaligarh, Assam. We are blending that 20 per cent ethanol in petrol. Ethanol-based trucks are coming out, there will be cars as well," he said.
"Our policy is to have import-substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free, indigenous and pollution-free alternate sources. We will certainly be successful, and this money will go to our farmers," he added.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that India's crude oil inventories remain adequate, with the government securing sufficient supplies for the next two months.
Assuring stability in fuel supply, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said, "Our refineries are operating at the highest levels. There have been no reports of any dry-out at retail outlets."
Highlighting global price trends, she noted, "Around two months ago, Brent crude was trading in the range of $70 per barrel, and today it has crossed $100 per barrel." Despite this sharp rise, she emphasised, "No increase has been made in petrol and diesel prices for domestic consumers."
The global fuel and LPG crises arose after Iran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia Conflict. India has secured permission for the safe passage of its vessels as the war continues to escalate.