The Hindu Business Line : Energy independence

The President's advice to work on attaining energy environment-friendly independence assumes greater significance in the backdrop of crude oil touching new highs of $67 in the market.

Caught between the government and the plight of PSUs, the government finds itself in a real dilemma at the moment. It is clear that it may have to resort to further price hikes or a reduction in excise duty.

The first option, despite strong objection from the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the Left parties, may be acceptable to the government, as it does not want revenue losses by way of cuts in excise duty. This will undoubtedly entail fresh woes for consumers.

So the President's stress on the eve of Independence Day celebrations to achieve energy freedom through fossil fuel warrants serious attention and interaction between research personnel and governmental and political machineries across the country. Given that oil takes the chunk of our huge import bill the government should harness natural resources such as wind and water.

C. P. Velayudhan Nair

Kochi

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