Ethanol Blending in Petrol: Current Status and Prospects in India

India has experienced rapid industrialization, propelling it to be the world's ۳rd largest energy consumer. Among the sectors driving this energy consumption, the transportation industry plays a significant role. In the fiscal year ۲۰۲۲-۲۳, India witnessed a surge in petroleum consumption, reaching a record high of ۲۲۲.۳ million tonnes. However, the country's crude oil production remained at ۲۹.۲ million tonnes during the same period, leading to a substantial reliance on imports. In fact, India imported crude oil of ۲۳۲.۴ million tonnes in ۲۰۲۲-۲۳, amounting to a cost of approximately USD ۱۵۸.۳ billion. To curtail its dependence on imports, the Indian government has promoted ethanol as a renewable fuel alternative for several years. Although policies supporting the Ethanol Blended Program have been in place since ۲۰۰۳, they struggled to meet their targets until the introduction of the National Biofuel Policy in ۲۰۱۸. The policy incorporated several modifications and aimed to address the shortcomings of previous efforts. Presently, ethanol blending with petrol is being offered at a maximum concentration of ۱۰% across the country, with the ultimate goal of completely replacing petrol with ethanol. This study analyzes India's ethanol blending program, evaluating policy impacts on distribution and production. It identifies challenges in feedstock availability, the role of oil marketing companies (OMCs), and vehicular technology hindrances. Proposed solutions include utilizing alternative feedstocks, supported by PLI schemes. OMCs should address logistical issues and reduce transportation costs by promoting local ethanol production. Optimizing petrol engines and expediting the introduction of flex engines are recommended.

Keywords:

Ethanol , Biofuel , Renewable , Energy , Fuel