21 July 2026

Government clarifies no decision taken to increase ethanol blending beyond 20%

The clarification on ethanol blending targets and technical standards relates directly to government policy interventions in energy and biofuel development.

Notes

• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas informed Parliament that no decision has been taken to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the 20% target.
• No decision has been made by the government to introduce ethanol blending in diesel for commercial usage.
• Future decisions regarding higher blending targets will depend on scientific evaluation, vehicle compatibility studies, stakeholder consultations, and domestic supply capacity.
• In June, the government exempted petrol blended with 22% to 30% ethanol from central excise duty to incentivize biofuel blending.
• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified technical standards for petrol blended with 22% to 30% ethanol for prospective commercial use.

Questions

1. Examine the policy measures and technical considerations involved in expanding ethanol blending in India beyond current targets. How does the choice of biofuel policy impact energy security, vehicular performance, and agricultural resource allocation? 250 words
   Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

   0 / 250 words 11:00 Reset

Prelims

1. With reference to the biofuel policy framework in India, consider the following statements: 1. Petrol blended with 22% to 30% ethanol has been exempted from central excise duties. 2. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified technical standards for petrol blended with 22% to 30% ethanol. 3. Commercial rollout of ethanol-blended diesel has been officially mandated across India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A 1 only
   2. B 1 and 2 only
   3. C 2 and 3 only
   4. D 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Government policies and interventions GS2

Topics

• Renewable Energy
• Public Policy

Sources

• No decision on ethanol blending with petrol beyond 20%: MoS