Government Pushes Alternative Fuels to Boost Auto Industry, Agriculture, and Reduce Fossil Fuel Dependence

The government anticipates that advancements in alternative fuels such as ethanol, methanol, bio-diesel, LNG, CNG, electric, and hydrogen will enable the country to become the global leader in the automobile sector, currently ranked third. This transition aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, which are economically burdensome and environmentally harmful. The policy promotes diversification of agriculture towards energy production, intending to increase agriculture's GDP contribution and improve farmers' incomes through biofuel production. The ethanol policy has positively impacted crop prices and timely payments in the sugar industry, preventing closures and supporting rural livelihoods. These measures are expected to generate employment, reduce pollution, and contribute to economic self-reliance and growth.