Centre aims at 20% ethanol blending in petrol next fiscal
The Union government aims to increase ethanol blending in petrol to 20% by 2026, marking a significant shift for the sugar and ethanol industries. At an event in Nippani, Union minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized the progress in ethanol blending from 1.34% in 2014 to 13.5% in 2023, with production rising to 1,623 crore litres, benefiting farmers nationwide.
Nippani (Belagavi): Union govt has announced an ambitious initiative to increase ethanol blending in petrol to 20% by the fiscal year 2026.Union new and renewable energy minister Pralhad Joshi said the move will herald a new era for the sugar and ethanol industries. Belagavi is one of the major sugar-growing districts and is known as the sugar bowl of Karnataka.
During the inauguration of the MBA and MCA building at VSM’s Somashekhar Kothiwale Institute of Technology in Nippani on Friday, he said a committee chaired by Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari “has decided to increase the ethanol blending to 25% after 2025-26.”He also highlighted the progress made since 2014.
“Until 2014, only 1.34% ethanol blending was permitted. Since BJP assumed office under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ethanol blending rate has surged to 13.5%. Ethanol production has skyrocketed from 2 lakh litres to 1,623 crore litres by the end of 2023,” he added.
Joshi noted that the govt is conducting research on introducing 2% blending in aviation fuel.Gadkari, who was the chief guest of the event, said the govt move would benefit farmers both directly and indirectly.
“Earlier, ethanol was produced using sugarcane and its byproducts. Now, the govt has allowed it to be manufactured from rice, maize and more. In the coming days, farmers will not just be called ‘annadatas’ but also ‘indhanadtatas’ and ‘electricitydatas,” he remarked.
Gadkari also noted that numerous automobile manufacturers, including tractor companies, are stepping up to produce ethanol engines. “Ethanol bunks will soon become a common sight. Ethanol is priced at around Rs 60 per litre. Currently, India imports fuel worth Rs 22 lakh crore annually. If we can cut imports by Rs 10 lakh crore and utilize fuel produced by our farmers, it will be a game changer for the agriculture sector,” he said.
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