iGrain India - India is set to achieve its 20 percent ethanol blending target in petrol ahead of the scheduled timeline.
Initially expected to be met by 2030, this target was later brought forward to the marketing season 2024-25 (November-October), and now, with increasing domestic ethanol production, it is anticipated to be reached by next month.
The Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister highlighted that this accomplishment could help set the foundation for even higher blending targets in the future.
The minister credited key associations like SIAM and ISMA for their contributions in boosting ethanol production, ensuring this milestone could be achieved.
Ethanol in India is primarily produced from sugarcane and grains, and the government has relaxed restrictions on sugarcane use for ethanol production while significantly reducing the price of rice for ethanol manufacturing.
The success in reaching the 20 percent blending target has inspired discussions on how India can formulate strategies for ethanol blending beyond this threshold, following the examples of countries like Brazil.