India Prioritises Energy Infrastructure Expansion For Long-Term Security: Minister Puri

New Delhi, Aug 18 (KNN) India is prioritising the expansion and strengthening of its energy infrastructure as part of efforts to secure long-term energy security, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on August 17.

In a post on X, Puri described energy self-sufficiency as ‘real freedom’ for a rapidly growing India, underscoring the need to rely on domestic resources to meet consumer demand. 

He noted that 67 million people refuel daily through India’s energy network, making the country the world’s third-largest energy consumer.

Highlighting recent reforms, the minister pointed to the ethanol blending programme, which he said has saved Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange while providing an additional Rs 1.2 lakh crore in income for farmers. 

He also cited progress in green energy initiatives, with 113 compressed biogas (CBG) plants commissioned, producing 775 tonnes per day.

India’s gas infrastructure has expanded significantly, Puri added. The number of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations has grown from 738 in 2014 to over 8,150 today, while piped natural gas (PNG) connections now reach 1.5 crore households.

The minister stressed that such initiatives are central to reducing dependence on imports, enhancing domestic capacity, and building a resilient energy system to support India’s economic growth.

(KNN Bureau)