Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan today said that India is committed for a clean and green fuel network.
Addressing a thematic session on Sustainable Mobility at the Global Mobilty Summit in New Delhi this afternoon, Mr Pradhan said, as the world is moving towards the future of Mobility, the transition has to be focused on clean and affordable mobility solutions.
He said, India’s transportation has to be driven by Public Transport. He added that the mindset of the younger generation is shifting from owning a car to owning a ride. The Minister said, Delhi Metro is a remarkable example for a city embracing its Public Transport. Mr Pradhan said, there is an expectation that Electric Vehicles will become more affordable and eventually will act as major disrupter to oil demand.
He said, however the pace is unpredictable and the Government believes that moving to cleaner fuels will be more beneficial for long-term mobility enhancement. He said, though India is not amongst polluting countries, Government is committed to uphold Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise at COP21.
He said, to achieve cleaner emissions, India is switching to BS-VI standard fuels by 2020 across India and it is already in use in the National Capital Delhi since April 2018. He also said that National Biofuel Policy and GOBAR-DHAN scheme will help in reducing emissions.
The Minister said, India’s hydrocarbon consumption primarily petrol and diesel is growing at 5 per cent per annum and it is one of the fastest in the world.
He said, India’s current consumption of 4.5 million barrels of oil per day is projected to grow to more than 10 million barrels by 2035. Mr Pradhan also shared his views on the transition in global mobility scenario, the bearing it has on the oil and gas companies and the future of mobility in India.
Deputy Minister of Transport of South Africa Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga, Senior Minister of State for Transport in Singapore Dr Pin Min Lam and UK Investment Minister Graham Stuart also addressed the session.
