Fossil fuel imports: India's silent villain; bioenergy delivers independence

INDIA’S RISE AS a global economic powerhouse is celebrated for its growth and ambition, yet a silent structural weakness quietly undermines our sovereignty: crippling dependence on imported fossil fuels.

- PANKAJ MOHINDROO

India’s fossil fuel imports represent a massive macroeconomic drain, funneling national wealth straight into foreign coffers. In FY24-25, Crude Oil, LPG and LNG import value exceeds 165 billion dollars; crude oil imports of 244 million tonnes costed over 137 billion dollars at 88% dependence, while LPG imports of 20.67 million tonnes added 13 billion dollars, further LNG imports got billed at 15 billion dollars, acting as a recurring haemorrhage that weakens forex reserves, pressures the rupee, inflates household and industrial costs, and starves fiscal space.

Every external geopolitical tremor trigger convulsion, temporary fixes, then reset waiting for next shock. This dependence mocks Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The ultimate paradox? India is not starved of energy resources it is simply squandering the vast domestic wealth lying untapped at its disposal.

Biomass-based energy