India Hits 20% Ethanol Blending Goal Early

India has achieved its 20% ethanol blending target with petrol five years ahead of the 2030 deadline, the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) announced Friday. From a modest 1.5% in 2014, the program, launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scaled up ethanol production from 38 crore to 661 crore litres by June 2025, ISMA reported.

The initiative slashed 698 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions, saved ₹1.36 lakh crore in foreign exchange, and injected ₹1.18 lakh crore to farmers and ₹1.96 lakh crore to distilleries. “This is a monumental leap for energy independence and rural prosperity,” said ISMA Director General Deepak Ballani, crediting government policies.

Sugarcane-based biofuels, including juice and B-heavy molasses, drove the success, reducing fossil fuel reliance and boosting rural economies. The achievement sets a global benchmark for green energy, with India now eyeing further renewable fuel expansion.

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