India achieved nearly 20 percent ethanol blending in the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025, resulting in foreign exchange savings of about $19.3 billion and direct payments exceeding $15 billion to farmers over the past decade, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said.
Bioenergy Push Anchors India’s Transition Strategy
Highlighting the government’s growing focus on bioenergy, Puri said India remains on track to meet its compressed biogas targets, reinforcing the role of biofuels in reducing import dependence and supporting rural incomes. At the same time, he underscored that the global energy transition is evolving through addition rather than outright replacement. “The history of energy has never been about replacement alone. It has been about addition,” Puri said, adding that while renewable and alternative energy sources are expanding rapidly, conventional energy will continue to play a critical role in meeting rising demand.
India’s Share of Global Energy Demand to Rise Sharply
Looking ahead, Puri said India’s energy needs will grow significantly over the coming decades. “By 2050, India’s share of global energy demand is projected to increase by nearly 30–35 per cent, reaching around 10 per cent of total global demand,” he noted. To meet this surge, the government is scaling capacity across the entire energy mix, ensuring reliability alongside sustainability.
Nuclear Expansion and Legal Reforms Gain Momentum
As part of this diversified approach, India has raised its nuclear power ambition to 100 GW by 2047. This expansion is supported by the Atomic Energy Bill 2025 (SHANTI), which modernises the country’s nuclear legal framework and enables long-term capacity growth. The move, Puri said, reflects India’s intent to balance clean energy objectives with baseload stability.
Upstream Reforms Strengthen Exploration Outlook
Turning to the upstream oil and gas sector, Puri highlighted major regulatory reforms, including the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025. The legislation introduced single petroleum leases and enhanced long-term policy stability, improving the investment climate. He added that preliminary assessments from recent deep-water exploration rounds have shown promise, prompting select drilling activities.
Fuel Price Stability Shields Consumers
Despite global volatility following 2021, India has managed to protect domestic consumers, Puri said. “While fuel prices rose sharply in many major economies, prices in Delhi in 2025 remained lower than in 2021,” he noted. For over 100 million PMUY beneficiaries, LPG prices have been maintained at around USD 5.5–6 per cylinder, among the lowest globally.
Maritime, Trade and Shipbuilding Opportunities Expand
The petroleum sector now accounts for 28 percent of India’s total trade volume by weight at ports, underlining its strategic importance. Backed by an $8 billion government package for shipbuilding, Puri identified a near-term investment opportunity of $5 billion for around 60 vessels required to support oil and gas trade.
Global Capability Centres Emerge as Growth Engine
Beyond energy, Puri highlighted the rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India. “In just five years, GCC revenues have risen from $40.4 billion in FY19 to $64.6 billion in FY24, growing at an annual rate of 9.8 per cent,” he said. The sector is projected to reach $105 billion by 2030, supported by nearly 2,400 GCCs. As reported by chinimandi.com, Puri expressed hope that India Energy Week would serve as a catalyst for global cooperation. “May India Energy Week serve as a platform where solutions are shaped for the benefit of the world,” he said.
