India Achieves 20% Ethanol-Blended Petrol, Defies Criticism Over Fuel Mix

The Indian government has rolled out a 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) across the country, meeting the target set in July. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has defended the policy, citing its benefits, including being an import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free, and indigenous. Critics, however, have expressed concerns that blended gasoline hurts fuel economy and engine parts.

Key Takeaways:

• The Indian government has achieved the target of mixing 20% ethanol with petrol sold at stations across the country, as of July.
• Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has defended the policy, stating that ethanol is an import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free, and indigenous.
• Critics have raised concerns that blended gasoline hurts fuel economy and engine parts.
• India spends Rs.22 lakh crore annually on fossil fuel imports, which could benefit the Indian economy if invested locally.
• The ethanol blending programme has led to energy security, environmental benefits, and created new sources of revenue, benefiting farmers.
• Mills in the country have cleared 90% of dues payable to farmers for cane purchases.
• The country had saved Rs.1.44 lakh crore due to the ethanol blending programme, according to Union food minister Pralhad Joshi.

Statistics:

• India has achieved the target of mixing 20% ethanol with petrol, as of July.
• India spends Rs.22 lakh crore annually on fossil fuel imports.
• The ethanol blending programme has led to a saving of Rs.1.44 lakh crore.
• 90% of dues payable to farmers for cane purchases have been cleared by mills in the country.

Sources:

• Hindustan Times, Sept. 12.