Indian Sugar Industry Proposes Increasing Ethanol Blend in Fuel Above 20%

This is reported by AgroReview

The Indian sugar industry has approached the government with a request to raise the ethanol blend in fuel mixtures above the current level of 20%. Sector representatives believe that the country has sufficient production capacity to increase biofuel output, and expanding the blending program will help reduce India’s dependence on oil imports.

Potential for Increasing Biofuel Production

The issue of raising the ethanol blend was actively discussed during a meeting between sugar industry representatives and Food Minister Pralhad Joshi. According to the industry association of sugar and bioenergy producers, the government is already considering the possibility of further increasing the ethanol content in fuel, as part of the existing production capacity remains underutilized.

Market participants emphasize that producing biofuel from sugarcane could become an important factor in India’s energy security. The country’s high dependence on imported oil and liquefied gas makes its economy vulnerable to geopolitical risks and fluctuations in global market prices.

“The ethanol blending program with gasoline is already demonstrating positive effects. It helps reduce fossil fuel imports, save foreign currency resources, and provides stable incomes for millions of farmers who grow sugarcane.”

Supply Dynamics and Development Prospects

According to the industry, ethanol supply in India has significantly increased in recent years — from 38 crore liters in 2014 to over 660 crore liters today. Expanding the program, according to sugar sector representatives, will contribute to the development of rural areas, strengthen the bioenergy sector, and further reduce the country’s energy dependence on imported energy resources.