Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, highlighted India’s focused efforts to scale up Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) during a Fireside Chat Session at the Pioneer Biofuels 360 Summit.
He shared that the Ministry is collaborating with oil companies, airlines, and global tech firms to advance SAF development. Like ethanol, India will adopt a phased approach to SAF adoption. A blending mandate has already been initiated, with a target of 1% blending for international flights by 2027, increasing to 2% by 2028, and scaling further as supply stabilizes. He also cited the example of the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Refinery in Panipat, which is using used cooking oil to produce SAF, showcasing India’s innovative and sustainable pathway forward.
He affirmed that “India’s ethanol journey is unstoppable”. Addressing a question on the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, the Minister noted that the real momentum in ethanol blending began post-2014, following the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At that time, ethanol blending was only 1.53%. By 2022, India reached 10% blending, five months ahead of the deadline. The initial goal of 20% ethanol blending (E20) by 2030 was advanced to 2025 and has already been accomplished in the current Ethanol Supply Year (ESY). Puri attributed this achievement to consistent policy reforms, including assured ethanol pricing, permission for diverse feedstocks, and significant expansion of distillation capacity nationwide.
Refuting misinformation surrounding ethanol-blended fuel, Puri emphasized that there have been no incidents of engine failure since E20 became the standard fuel in the past 10 months. He referenced Brazil’s long-standing use of E27 without issues to reinforce the fuel’s reliability.
Some lobbies with vested interests are actively attempting to create confusion and derail India’s ethanol revolution. However, such efforts will not succeed. The E20 transition is already firmly underway, backed by strong policy support, industry readiness, and public acceptance—and there is no turning back.
Highlighting the advantages of E20, Puri explained that it cuts greenhouse gas emissions, enhances air quality, improves engine efficiency, and has already saved India over ₹1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange. He pointed to the Panipat and Numaligarh 2G ethanol refineries, which convert agricultural residues such as parali and bamboo into ethanol—benefiting the environment and increasing farmer income. The Minister also spotlighted a significant shift in maize-based ethanol, which has risen from 0% in 2021–22 to 42% this year—a transformational development.
Discussing Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), Puri said the Indian automotive industry has proven its capability. Domestic manufacturers are already developing E85-compatible vehicle prototypes. He mentioned ongoing consultations with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and other key players, stating that India is clearly moving toward higher ethanol blends. With the Ethanol Blending Roadmap (2020–25) laying the groundwork, the early success of E20 indicates that both industry and consumers are ready. India now aims to gradually progress to E25, E27, and E30 with appropriate standards and incentives.
The Minister emphasized that ethanol blending is more than just altering fuel—it is about transforming farmers into energy producers (Annadatas into Urjadatas), reducing crude oil dependence, saving foreign exchange, generating green employment, and meeting climate targets. Over the past 11 years, ethanol procurement has contributed ₹1.21 lakh crore to farmers’ incomes, reduced crude oil imports by 238.68 lakh metric tons, and saved ₹1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange.
