The West Indian Sugar Mills Association (WISMA) has welcomed the recent clarification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) regarding concerns raised over the use of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) in vehicles.
The Ministry highlighted findings from extensive national and international research, confirming that E20 poses no significant risk to engine performance, fuel efficiency, or durability—even in older vehicles. Testing by reputable organizations such as the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), and Indian Oil Corporation (R&D) has verified E20’s mechanical and material compatibility across a broad spectrum of vehicles.
The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) has delivered wide-ranging benefits, contributing to environmental protection, energy security, and rural development. Key accomplishments include:
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Environmental Impact: Ethanol blending has helped cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 700 lakh tonnes, aiding India in meeting its climate action and global environmental targets.
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Energy Security: By reducing reliance on crude oil imports, E20 has saved India more than ₹1.2 lakh crore in foreign exchange since 2014–15.
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Farmer Support: Ethanol production has led to over ₹1.04 lakh crore in payments to farmers, bolstering rural incomes and economic stability.
Additionally, the EBP has contributed to making the sugar industry more financially viable by reducing its dependence on government aid, ensuring timely farmer payments, and promoting the rural bioeconomy. The program supports the use of domestically produced, renewable energy sources, reinforcing India’s energy independence.
WISMA emphasized that ethanol blending is backed by scientific research, promotes economic inclusion, and supports environmental sustainability. It remains a vital element of India’s biofuel policy and rural development strategy. The sugar sector continues to support the national ethanol roadmap and is committed to enhancing its capacity to produce E20 and higher blends.
