India Urges Expansion of Biofuel Production Amid Rising Oil Prices
India is calling for increased biofuel production to enhance energy security as oil prices rise due to the Middle East crisis. Tarun Kapoor, an adviser in India's Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized expanding ethanol and biogas use across transport and industry during a conference on sugar and bio-energy. As one of the world's largest crude importers, India has faced soaring costs for alternative oil supplies since the conflict with Iran began. In June 2026, it introduced an 85% ethanol fuel blend to reduce reliance on imported oil. The Indian government aims to strengthen rural economies and promote low-carbon mobility through increased biofuel demand. India's crude import bill has surged in recent months due to disrupted supply from the Middle East and higher prices. In Q2, it paid 60% more for imports compared to a year earlier, with costs continuing to rise into July.
Topics: biofuel energy security India's energy policy oil prices