India set to achieve 20% Ethanol Blending by 2025: Hardeep Singh Puri

Oct 09,2024

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, announced that India is on course to achieve 20% ethanol blending by 2025, well ahead of the initial 2030 target. Speaking at a recent summit in New Delhi, Puri highlighted that the government has already saved ₹91,000 crore on fossil fuel imports due to the ethanol-blending initiative.

Puri addressed early concerns regarding vehicle compatibility, stating that studies have shown minimal wear and tear from 20% ethanol blending, with any adjustments manageable through affordable kits.

In August 2024, the government advanced the 20% blending target to the Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26, driven by the success of the Ethanol Blended Programme.

On green hydrogen, Puri called it the “fuel of the future,” emphasising the need to reduce costs. He noted India’s growing prominence as a global hub for electrolyser manufacturing, forecasting major breakthroughs in the sector by 2030.

Puri also discussed India’s vast offshore oil exploration potential, referencing the government’s decision to clear 1 million square kilometres of previously restricted areas for exploration. He added that policy reforms, supported by oil majors, would be tabled in Parliament next month to further boost the sector.