Government Rules Out Decision on Ethanol Blending Beyond 20% Target
The central government has clarified that no decision has been taken to increase the ethanol blending target beyond the current 20% level. The statement comes amidst speculation that the government might consider raising the blending mandate to 30% or higher.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that the National Policy on Biofuels and the Ethanol Blending Programme currently aim for a 20% blend of ethanol in petrol by 2025. There is no plan to revise this target upward at present.
The government cited the need to carefully assess feedstock availability, production capacity, and infrastructure readiness before considering any further increase. Ethanol for blending is primarily sourced from sugarcane, damaged food grains, and agricultural residues.
India has been pushing for higher ethanol blending to reduce oil import dependence, cut carbon emissions, and support the sugar industry. The current blending percentage stands at around 12%, with targets to reach 20% by 2025.
Experts note that going beyond 20% would require significant investments in flex-fuel vehicles, storage, and supply chain logistics. The automotive industry has also raised concerns about compatibility and warranty issues for existing vehicles.
The government emphasized that its focus remains on achieving the 20% target through sustained policy support and stakeholder engagement. Any future decision on higher blending will be based on techno-economic feasibility and consultation with all relevant parties.
