Govt mulls roadmap for ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20%, says Oil Minister

The government, which has set a target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by next year, is considering developing a roadmap for ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20%.

“A lot of people in the government are already talking about preparing a roadmap for ethanol blending post 20% ethanol blending after 2025,” Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday speaking at the CII Bioenergy Summit on Monday.

Biofuel interventions, particularly ethanol blending, are considered essential to India's journey towards carbon neutrality by 2070, offering a significant reduction in emissions from the transportation and aviation industries.

The government had earlier committed to 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2030, but later advanced the target to 2025-26. Ethanol blending in petrol currently stands at around 15%, up from 1.5% in 2014.

While ethanol is understood to degrade certain rubber components and plugs in a vehicle due to its hygroscopic nature, the impact of a 20% ethanol blend in petrol is likely to be negligible.

Vehicles powered by petrol can seamlessly operate on 10% ethanol blends but require minor adjustments for 20% ethanol content. Most petrol-powered vehicles that are being produced today are compatible with the 20% blend.

The government is pitching ethanol blending to reduce the dependence on imported fossil fuels and improve energy. The consumption of ethanol by oil marketing industries also boosts the incomes of sugarcane and maze farmers.

“From 2014-24, the foreign exchange saving was Rs 1.6 lakh crore. The Co2 emission was lowered by 544 lakh metric tons. The crude oil substitutional was at 181 lakh metric tons. OMCs paid Rs 1.5 lakh crore to distilleries, and farmers have been paid Rs 90,059 crore,” Puri added.

In a bid to ensure an adequate supply of ethanol for the blending program, the government has also introduced several initiatives such as subsidies for setting up distilleries and allowing multiple feedstock or ethanol production to boost ethanol production. 

Read more: Indian auto firms to soon produce 100% ethanol run cars and two-wheelers, says Road minister