Sugarcane based ethanol can eliminate LPG conundrum: IFGE

The Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) has called on policymakers to promote ethanol derived from sugarcane as an alternative cooking fuel, highlighting its potential to reduce India’s dependence on imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) amid supply uncertainties.

In a statement, IFGE noted that ethanol can complement LPG usage by offering a reliable, domestically produced fuel for cooking. Expanding its use, the federation said, would also help absorb surplus sugarcane production while easing pressure on imported energy sources.

Pointing to practical solutions, IFGE highlighted ethanol-based cookstoves developed by KOKO Networks. Already deployed in countries such as Kenya, these systems combine modern cookstoves with reusable fuel containers and a network of dispensing units, demonstrating a scalable alternative to conventional fuels.

The federation added that greater adoption of ethanol would benefit farmers by generating stronger demand for sugarcane and improving rural incomes.

Beyond cooking applications, IFGE urged broader policy support for ethanol, including blending with diesel, increasing ethanol content in petrol to 27 per cent, and accelerating the rollout of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). It also recommended rationalising taxes on cleaner technologies, stating that FFVs should not be taxed higher than conventional petrol vehicles.

Moreover, IFGE called for a reduction in GST on ethanol sold at fuel stations from 18 per cent to 5 per cent to improve affordability and drive consumer adoption.

In December 2025, IFGE signed a strategic partnership with the Global Ethanol Association (GEA) for promoting ethanol as a sustainable green fuel.

Ethanol Paving The Sustainable Way

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri recently revealed that India’s push to blend ethanol with petrol has delivered major economic gains as the country saved nearly USD 19.3 billion in foreign exchange after achieving close to 20% ethanol blending in the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025.

The Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA) has also urged the Central government to take the next step in India’s biofuel journey by increasing ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20 per cent level.