Page 45 - Policy Economic Report - July 2025

POLICY AND ECONOMIC REPORT
OIL & GAS MARKET

technology, and visionary policymaking, India continues to position itself as a global energy leader under
the leadership of PM Modi.

Petroleum Dealers Must Become Active Partners in India’s Energy Transition: Shri Hardeep Singh Puri

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, urged petroleum dealers across
the country to transform into active partners in India’s energy transition, while addressing the Plenary
Session of the All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA) Conclave. AIPDA is the largest national body
representing petroleum retail outlet dealers. The Minister emphasized the importance of embracing
green initiatives, enhancing digital readiness, and evolving business models in line with India’s dynamic
energy landscape.

Recognizing the pivotal role played by petroleum dealers in the energy ecosystem, Shri Puri acknowledged
concerns related to dealer commissions, operational costs, and other issues. He assured the gathering
that the Ministry believes in “consultation, not confrontation,” and cited the revision of dealer margins in
October 2024 and the implementation of intra-state freight rationalisation as concrete steps taken to
address disparities. He further said that structured platforms for feedback and grievance redressal would
continue to be strengthened.

Reflecting on the challenges of the past five years—including the COVID-19 pandemic and global
geopolitical conflicts—Shri Puri noted that India not only navigated these disruptions effectively but also
emerged as a global leader in energy growth. Despite global volatility, India accounted for 16% of global
growth in crude oil consumption and is projected to contribute 25% of such growth over the next three
decades. The Government, he said, has ensured affordable and uninterrupted energy supply to citizens,
even during times of global uncertainty.

Highlighting India’s achievements in the biofuels sector, the Minister noted that nearly 20% ethanol
blending has been achieved in 2025, a significant rise from 1.53% in 2014. This accomplishment has
resulted in ?1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange savings, substitution of 238 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil,
a reduction of 717 lakh metric tonnes in CO2 emissions, and direct payments of ?1.21 lakh crore to
farmers. He also cited the expansion of CNG stations from 738 in 2014 to over 8,100 today and the
provision of 10.33 crore LPG connections under PMUY, empowering women and improving health
outcomes. “These numbers are not just achievements; they are milestones on our journey towards a
cleaner, self-reliant energy future,” he said.

Appreciating the dedication of petroleum dealers who serve over 67 million customers daily, Shri Puri
stated, “You are the physical interface between the Indian citizen and the national energy system.” He
emphasized that as India reduces crude oil imports, diversifies energy sources, and boosts renewables,
the role of dealers becomes crucial in ensuring accessibility, availability, and affordability—the three
pillars of energy justice. He lauded the dealer network’s reach from Ladakh to Lakshadweep, ensuring fuel
availability even during emergencies, natural disasters, and elections.

Shri Puri called for a transformation of retail outlets into centres of customer excellence, where digital
payments, automated billing, clean toilets, strict safety protocols, and effective grievance redressal

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