Bio-Ethanol: India's potential big leap in energy security & sustainability
India is a rapidly growing economy with rising energy demands year-on-year to fuel its growth story. But unfortunately, a notable share (34-37%) of the nation's energy requirements is still fulfilled by crude oil and natural gas with heavy import dependency (90%) which showcases vulnerability to external shocks like inflation in global energy prices and supply disruptions. Recent disruptions in energy supply chains resulting from geopolitical tensions in West Asia and closure of Strait of Hormuz have only brought this vulnerability to the fore. While Government of India is engaged in diplomatic talks to release energy shipments and holding the domestic prices steady, the adverse impact on Indian economy is visible . A few instances include a hike in commercial LPG prices, greater losses to revenue of OMCs and public exchequer in an attempt to hold the prices of petrol and diesel at current levels thus straining fiscal deficit, substantial currency depreciation with increas...