India Advances Ethanol Blending

To Power a Greener Future

- Nava Thakuria

India has advanced its ethanol blending programme, achieving 20 per cent ethanol-petrol mix (E20) across 90,000 fuel stations by 2025-five years ahead of schedule. The initiative aims to reduce crude oil imports, cut emissions, and benefit farmers. Ethanol production rose from 38 crore litres in 2013-14 to 660 crore litres in 2025, saving 1 lakh crore in foreign exchange. While E20 offers environmental and economic gains, experts urge caution for older vehicles and long-term engine performance. A countrywide study should be conducted to assess any long-term impact on those vehicles, so that the upgradation to E30 standard hereafter becomes smooth and seamless

Following the examples of many foreign nations, India has also achieved a milestone in blending ethanol with petrol with an aim to reduce crude oil import-burden and harmful gas emission as well as strengthening rural economy with the financial benefit to farmers.

By now many countries including Brazil, USA, and many European nations have adopted the mix fuel with ethanol added from 5 to 30 per cent with pure petrol to enhance the environmental and social benefits. Lately, the Supreme Court of India also encouraged the Union government in New Delhi to go ahead with the petrol blending policy. The apex court of the country on September 1, 2025 dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the government's ethanol mixing programme up to 20 per cent in petrol which is made available in over 90,000 fuel stations across India.