Distillers' Association urges govt to raise ethanol blending target to 30%
This story was originally published at 19:43 IST on 23 March 2026
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NEW DELHI – The All India Distillers' Association has urged the government to increase the ethanol blending target in petrol to 30% and accelerate the rollout of flex-fuel vehicles, citing rising crude oil prices, and geopolitical uncertainties.
In a letter dated Mar. 21 to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari, the industry body said India has already achieved the E20 blending target ahead of schedule and is well-positioned to scale up ethanol use further.
Highlighting the ongoing volatility in global oil markets due to tensions in the Middle East, the association said higher ethanol blending could proportionately reduce crude oil imports and help cushion the domestic economy from supply disruptions. The association proposed a series of measures to strengthen energy security. It suggested a gradual increase in ethanol blending from 20% to 30%, the introduction of flex-fuel vehicles capable of running on 100% ethanol, similar to Brazil, the promotion of ethanol for domestic and industrial cooking through ethanol-based burners, and exploration of ethanol blending in diesel to contain costs.
The association also emphasised on the need to develop alternative domestic uses for surplus ethanol. It highlighted ethanol-based cooking solutions as a clean and viable option, for households as well as commercial establishments. Such initiatives could support clean energy access, reduce indoor air pollution, and diversify fuel sources, it said.
Further, the association stressed that expanding the ecosystem for flex-fuel vehicles, including those compatible with higher ethanol blends such as E85 and above, would be critical to sustaining long-term demand. In the letter, the association stated it is keen to present a detailed industry roadmap to the government to support the proposed transition. End
Reported by Pallavi Singhal
Edited by Deepshikha Bhardwaj
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