Fuels of Growth: India’s Energy Path Amid Global Tensions
Fuels of Growth: India’s Energy Path Amid Global Tensions
Geopolitical tensions push India to rethink imports, urging diversification, bioenergy expansion, and bigger reserves to secure growth and energy independence.
As geopolitical tensions reshape global energy dynamics, India’s dependence on imported crude oil has brought energy security into sharp focus. In 'Fuels of Growth', industry leaders come together to examine how India can navigate this critical phase and build long-term resilience. The session features G Krishnakumar, Former Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited; Ashish Kumar, Managing Director, VERBIO India; Atul Mulay, President – Bioenergy, Praj Industries; and Arnab Basu, Chief Industries Officer, PwC India. The discussion is moderated by Sakshi Batra, Senior Associate Editor, Business Today TV, and Karishma Asoodani, Anchor, Business Today TV. With over 85% of India’s crude oil imported and nearly half passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the risks are significant. The panel explores strategies such as diversifying energy sources, expanding bioenergy capabilities, and building larger strategic reserves. This session highlights how India can use this moment of disruption to accelerate its journey towards energy self-reliance while sustaining economic growth.
In a broader sense, the talks underscored the urgency for policy and industry alignment. Diversification could mean tapping into alternative feedstocks and technologies to reduce vulnerability to price shocks and supply interruptions. Expanding bioenergy capacity, especially from Praj Industries’ perspective, points to a longer horizon where renewable and sustainable solutions complement traditional crude pipelines. The idea of larger strategic reserves is framed as a buffer against volatility, allowing time to recalibrate imports and domestic production without derailing growth. Overall, the conversation paints a picture of a more resilient, self-reliant energy landscape for India, built on smarter sourcing, smarter reserves, and smarter use of energy through innovation.
