Fuel Security & Consumption Optimisation: A Pragmatic India-First Strategy – Indian PSU
By Hemant Sirohi, Member Responsible Mentor, Empowering Petroleum Dealers Foundation
Amid ongoing geopolitical instability and volatile crude markets, India should consider a practical “Fuel Security & Consumption Optimisation Policy” with nationwide implementation.
Alongside Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), India must aggressively promote Strong Hybrids (HEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), as they offer superior real-world mileage, lower fuel consumption, higher practicality in Indian conditions, and lesser charging dependency.
Registration waivers, targeted subsidies, and rationalised electricity tariffs should be extended for BEVs and PHEVs to accelerate adoption and substantially reduce crude import dependence.
A nationwide policy for rationalised Retail Outlet (RO) operating hours may also be considered instead of the present 24×7 culture, alongside mandatory weekly off or rotational holidays for ROs. Such measures can reduce avoidable fuel consumption, optimise logistics and manpower utilisation, and also create greater fuel sensitivity among consumers during uncertain global energy conditions.
India should additionally explore decentralised Strategic Petroleum Reserve support by utilising existing Retail Outlet land and infrastructure through vertical storage integration. With nearly one lakh ROs across the nation, an additional emergency reserve network can be developed at comparatively lower cost.
A balanced India-first strategy combining conservation, hybrids, EV transition, and strategic reserves can significantly strengthen national energy security and economic stability.
Editor’s Take: The choice before policymakers is clear: continue with fragmented, single-track interventions, or adopt an integrated fuel security architecture that reduces vulnerability, enhances efficiency, and insulates the economy from external shocks. The time to act is now.
