Gadkari says Centre eyes 27% ethanol blending norms by August end

Even as the Central Government recently denied reports of plans to increase ethanol blending in petrol to 27–30%, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has confirmed that guidelines for 27% ethanol blending (E27) will be introduced by the end of August.

Speaking at a recent event, Gadkari noted that India has already achieved its target of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20), which was launched in 2023 under the Modi government’s green energy initiative. Highlighting global benchmarks, he pointed out that Brazil currently blends 27% ethanol in gasoline and India is now preparing to follow suit.

“India currently does not have standard norms for E27 fuel, but those will be finalised by the end of August,” Gadkari said. He underscored the strategic importance of this move, noting that India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil, amounting to an annual expenditure of Rs 22 lakh crore. “This not only burdens the economy but also contributes to pollution. Therefore, shifting agriculture towards the energy and power sectors is a necessity,” he added.

Gadkari also revealed that 11 automobile manufacturers in India have already developed flex-fuel engine vehicles, compatible with higher ethanol blends. “India is food surplus, and promoting ethanol production will also protect farmers’ interests,” he emphasized.

Ethanol, derived from agricultural sources like sugarcane, broken rice, and maize, offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. As the world’s third-largest oil consumer, India currently imports about 88% of its crude oil needs, making it vulnerable to volatile global oil prices.

ICAR-IIMR Director Hints at 30% Target

Meanwhile, Dr. H.S. Jat, Director of the ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), has indicated that the government is targeting a 30% ethanol blend (E30) in petrol by 2030. He highlighted maize as a promising feedstock for ethanol and stressed the importance of enhancing maize productivity through scientific and cost-effective approaches.

“To achieve the E30 mission, India must produce 65–70 million tonnes of maize annually, with an annual growth rate of 8–9%,” Dr. Jat at the inauguration of a three-day training-cum-workshop in Ludhiana.

Dr. Jat emphasized the need for high-yielding hybrids, mechanisation, and farmer-led innovation to meet the ambitious ethanol targets. The workshop was part of a broader initiative to boost maize production in areas surrounding ethanol manufacturing units.