# Energy Insecurity: India Needs Calibrated Strategy

> India must build political consensus to shield energy security from vulnerabilities.
- Title: Energy Insecurity: India Needs Calibrated Strategy · mint
- Summary: India must build political consensus to shield energy security from vulnerabilities.
- Keywords: ethanol blending, petrol, energy security, political consensus, oil imports, karnataka government, bharatiya janata party, india, mint
- Source: mint — https://livemint.com/opinion/online-views/mint-quick-edit-energy-insecurity-india-calibrated-strategy-shield-itself-from-vulnerabilities-11794237500063.html
- Author: Mint Editorial Board
- Published: 2026-11-10T01:30:35+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ethanol blending, petrol, energy security, political consensus, oil imports, karnataka government, bharatiya janata party, india, news
## Ethanol Blending Dispute
Ethanol blending claims have sparked a political clash between Karnataka's Congress government and the BJP-led Union government.

> Karnataka government claiming to have found excessive ethanol blending in petrol
## Energy Security Strategy Needed
India requires a national energy security strategy to address vulnerabilities beyond state-Centre disagreements.

> As a net importer of energy and commodities, India needs a calibrated strategy to boost energy security
## Ethanol Policy History
Ethanol blending began over two decades ago to reduce oil imports, with subsidies for EVs and renewables also driven by similar goals.

> Ethanol blending was initiated more than two decades ago as part of a policy thrust to lower oil imports
## Global Impact on Imports
Rising EV production could increase India's import bill short-term as global demand for aluminium, copper and tin surges.

> The rising focus on EVs and renewables globally has raised prices of aluminium, copper and tin to record levels
## Key takeaway

India needs a national energy security strategy to address ethanol blending disputes and reduce import vulnerabilities.