New Delhi: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Thursday that India is poised to become a net exporter of energy within the next six to seven years. Speaking at a Times Event, Gadkari highlighted the government’s strong emphasis on alternative fuels and biofuels, including hydrogen, ethanol, biodiesel, and electric vehicles, which are expected to transform the country’s energy landscape and logistics sector.
India’s Shift from Energy Importer to Exporter
Currently reliant on energy imports, India is strategically shifting towards energy self-sufficiency and eventual export. “Today we are the importer of the energy but within six to seven years we will be exporter of the energy,” Gadkari said confidently. He stressed hydrogen as the “fuel of the future,” signaling the government’s commitment to diversify energy sources away from fossil fuels.
Government Push for Alternative and Biofuels
The minister outlined ongoing efforts to encourage adoption of alternative fuels, including ethanol, biodiesel, electric vehicles (EVs), and hydrogen. This push is not just aimed at energy independence but also at reducing environmental pollution. Gadkari emphasized that embracing these fuels will significantly cut pollution levels and boost sustainability across the country.
Logistics Cost to Drop to Single Digit by Year-End
One of the key economic benefits of this energy and infrastructure transition, according to Gadkari, will be a sharp reduction in logistics costs. He revealed that the government is focused on expanding road infrastructure alongside fuel changes to bring down logistics costs to single digits, targeting nine percent by the end of the current year.
Citing recent survey data, the minister said, “India’s logistic cost has reduced by six percent.” Currently, India’s logistics cost stands at 16 percent of GDP, notably higher than China’s 8 percent and the 12 percent observed in the US and European countries. Gadkari expressed optimism that with faster development and adoption of alternative fuels, India will soon close this gap.
Economic Growth Hinges on Efficient Logistics and Energy
Highlighting India’s status as one of the fastest-growing economies globally, Gadkari underscored the importance of reducing logistics costs to boost exports and sustain growth momentum. “We need to increase our export and for that reason we need to reduce our logistic cost,” he said, urging industries and consumers alike to embrace biofuels and alternative energy sources for economic and environmental benefits.
