India needs to reduce dependence on import of crude oil: Nitin Gadkari

India currently spends nearly Rs 8 lakh crore on import of diesel and petrol, which may increase to Rs 25 lakh crore in next five years, if the trend continues. Diesel and petrol are not good for environment.

Recently , Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that in the future country's public transport will witness a change and will switch to alternative fuel. "In electric vehicles, we have lithium-ion batteries. About 80 per cent of lithium-ion battery is being manufactured within the country. In the next six months, we will achieve 100 per cent of its manufacturing in the country. Its cost is also reducing. "In the near future, India would need more power as there is a probability that economic growth of the country will accelerate.Gadkari also said that in the future country's public transport will witness a change and will switch to alternative fuel. Already, National Policy on Biofuels was approved by the Union Cabinet in May 2018. The policy is aimed at taking forward the indicative target of achieving 20% blending of biofuels with fossil-based fuels by 2030.At present, apart from being highly dependent on non-renewable fuel sources, India is also largely reliant on imported crude oil to fulfil domestic consumption requirements.