ENA Sectors 2025-08-18 14:26:59 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Aug 18 (KNN)</strong> 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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He noted that 67 million people refuel daily through Indias energy network, making the country the worlds third-largest energy consumer.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He also cited progress in green energy initiatives, with 113 compressed biogas (CBG) plants commissioned, producing 775 tonnes per day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Indias 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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The minister stressed that such initiatives are central to reducing dependence on imports, enhancing domestic capacity, and building a resilient energy system to support Indias economic growth.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span><br /> </p> 43177 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/india-prioritises-energy-infrastructure-expansion-for-long-term-security-minister-puri 2025-08-18 14:26:59 knnindia.co.in