August 12, 2025

Pune, Monday – Get ready for a big energy shake-up! Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari declared that India is on a fast track to become number one in the global automobile sector. How? Because of exciting research and innovation in alternative fuels like ethanol, methanol, bio-diesel, LNG, CNG, electric power, and hydrogen. Speaking at the 10th anniversary of World Biofuel Day in India, organized by Praj Industries, Gadkari said, "In the coming days, due to ethanol, methanol, bio-diesel, LNG, CNG, electric, and hydrogen, a new change in the world will be witnessed because of us." At present, India ranks third in the automobile sector, but Gadkari is hopeful that the day is near when India will claim the top spot. "With the way our research and innovation in alternative fuel is progressing, the day is not far when we will become number one," he confidently stated. He explained that reaching number one will bring huge benefits. "It will positively impact the economy, generate employment, and reduce pollution. At present, 85 per cent of our energy is imported, but I am confident that we will transform from being an importer of energy to an exporter," said Gadkari. Did you know? India spends ₹22 lakh crore on fossil fuel imports! This not only drains money from the economy but also adds to the pollution menace. To fight this, Gadkari urged more focus on alternative fuels and biofuels. The Union minister also shared worrying news about farming. Agriculture now contributes just 12–14 percent to India’s GDP, while 60–65 percent of people still depend on farming for their living. "If we want to become Aatmanirbhar and the world's third-largest economy of USD 5 trillion, the share of agriculture in GDP must increase to 22 to 24 percent," said Gadkari. To do this, the government is pushing to shift agriculture towards energy and power sectors. Addressing concerns about the food versus fuel debate, Gadkari proudly pointed out India’s surplus sugar, rice, wheat, and corn. These crops were struggling with low prices but started to shine with the new ethanol policy. For example, the minimum support price (MSP) of corn was ₹1,800 per quintal but market rates fell to just ₹1,200. Thanks to ethanol boosting demand, corn prices in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh now hover around ₹2,600 to ₹2,800 per quintal, giving farmers better returns. Gadkari also remembered tougher days for sugarcane farmers who waited years to get paid. "After the ethanol policy, they are getting their money on time now. In Western Maharashtra alone, nearly 70 percent of the sugar industry would have faced closure if ethanol production had not started," he added. India’s drive towards alternative fuels like ethanol and hydrogen isn’t just about clean energy; it’s a full on game-changer for farmers, the economy, and the entire nation’s future. Keep watching this space for the energy revolution rocking the auto world!

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Tags: Nitin gadkari, Alternative fuels, India automobile sector, Ethanol, Biofuel, Energy import,