India has successfully reached 20% ethanol blending in petrol in 2025, well ahead of its original 2030 deadline, according to Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
The minister noted that the country began its ethanol journey with just 1.5% blending in 2014. Over the last 11 years, that figure has risen nearly thirteenfold, marking a significant milestone in India’s transition to cleaner fuels.
Puri emphasized the multiple benefits of this achievement, including savings in foreign exchange and a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
Ethanol production has seen exponential growth, increasing from 38 crore litres in 2014 to 661.1 crore litres by June 2025. This surge has not only reduced India’s reliance on imported crude oil but also resulted in foreign exchange savings of ₹1.36 lakh crore.
Additionally, ₹1.96 lakh crore has been paid to distilleries, helping expand the biofuel sector, while ₹1.18 lakh crore has reached farmers—contributing to rural income growth and supporting India’s agricultural economy.
The environmental impact has also been notable, with 698 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided due to the switch to cleaner fuel alternatives.
In a post on X, Puri stated: “India hits 20% ethanol blending in petrol five years ahead of target. From just 1.5% in 2014 to 20% in 2025, this clean energy leap has: >> Saved ₹1.36 lakh crore in forex >> Paid ₹1.18 lakh crore to farmers >> Cut 698 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions. PM @narendramodiji’s vision is powering energy security, farmer income, and climate progress.”
Most of the ethanol used for blending comes from Indian farms, primarily through crops like sugarcane, highlighting the programme’s alignment with domestic agricultural empowerment.
[…] Source : Chinimandi […]