Ahmedabad, February 14, 2025 – The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), under the guidance of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, has launched Saksham 2024-25, a nationwide fuel conservation campaign aimed at promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. The fortnight-long initiative, running from February 14 to 28, 2025, focuses on reducing crude oil dependency and encouraging green and clean energy solutions under the tagline: “Cleaner Environment through Green and Clean Energy” (“हरित एवं स्वच्छ ऊर्जा अपनाएं, पर्यावरण को स्वच्छ बनाएं“).
The inaugural function, held at ICAI Bhawan, Ahmedabad Branch of WIRC, was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat. The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries from the oil and gas sector, including Mr. Sanjib Kumar Behera, Executive Director & State Head, Gujarat, IOCL; Mr. Subhendu Mohanty, Chief General Manager – Retail & Zonal Head, HPCL; Mr. Anant Khobragade, Zonal General Manager / OIC, GAIL; and Mr. Sumit Mohan, General Manager (I&C), Gujarat, BPCL. Their presence highlighted the collaborative efforts of Oil & Gas PSUs in promoting fuel conservation and sustainable energy practices.
Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat said, “Today, It gives me immense please to inaugurate Oil & Gas Conservation Fortnight i.e. Saksham – Sanrakshan Kshamata Mahotsav 2025. an initiative of great national importance aimed at fostering energy conservation and environmental sustainability. This annual drive, conducted by our esteemed Oil & Gas PSUs under the guidance of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, has been a cornerstone of India’s fuel conservation efforts since 1991. The responsibility of driving this initiative has been entrusted to the Oil & Gas PSUs. In Gujarat, this drive will be collectively led by IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, GAIL, and ONGC, with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) taking the lead in coordinating the activities across the state.”
He added, “India’s energy demand continues to rise rapidly. According to the Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC), India’s total petroleum product consumption in FY 2023-24 stood at approximately 234 million metric tonnes (MMT), with diesel and petrol accounting for a significant portion. However, our self-sufficiency in oil and gas remains at just 20%, meaning that 80% of our energy needs are met through imports. Last year, our petroleum imports amounted to $156 billion, contributing nearly 23% of India’s total imports. This heavy reliance on imported fuel not only places an economic burden on the country but also poses serious risks to energy security. The transportation sector alone consumes nearly half of India’s total petroleum products, highlighting the urgent need to transition to fuel-efficient mobility solutions and alternative energy sources. At the current rate of consumption, our known oil reserves will last only a few decades, making fuel conservation an immediate priority.”
As part of Saksham 2024-25, a series of awareness programs and activities will be conducted across multiple cities and districts. Key initiatives include Saksham Cyclothon & Walkathon, public awareness campaigns via TV, radio, and newspapers, and targeted fuel conservation programs for students, farmers, drivers, and residential communities. The campaign will also feature debates and group discussions engaging over 66,000 participants, graffiti and wall painting at key locations in Gujarat, and fuel-efficient driving contests for cars and heavy vehicles. Additionally, LPG awareness programs will focus on training delivery personnel and engaging rural communities through LPG Panchayats, while industrial and technical seminars will provide valuable insights to businesses and engineering students.
Furthering community engagement, workshops will be conducted for housing societies, NGOs, and social clubs, along with dedicated fleet operator and STU campaigns training over 300 drivers per depot on fuel efficiency. Through these activities, Saksham 2024-25 continues its long-standing mission—initiated in 1991—to reinforce the importance of energy conservation, environmental protection, and India’s energy security. This year’s campaign strengthens efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions and eco-friendly practices, paving the way for a greener and more self-reliant future.
