India’s Ethanol Journey is “Unstoppable”: Hardeep Singh Puri at Biofuels 360 Summit

New Delhi: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, declared India’s ethanol revolution “unstoppable” during a Fireside Chat Session at the Pioneer Biofuels 360 Summit held today.

Emphasising the far-reaching benefits of ethanol blending, particularly E20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol), the Minister highlighted its transformative impact on the country’s energy landscape.

“India’s ethanol journey is not just a policy initiative, it is a movement,” Puri said. “The transition to E20 has resulted in substantial environmental and economic gains.”

According to the Minister, E20 has significantly contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving urban air quality, and enhancing vehicle engine performance. More importantly, it has also led to foreign exchange savings of over ₹1.4 lakh crore by cutting down crude oil imports.

Responding to a question on the success of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, the Minister highlighted that ethanol blending gained serious momentum only after 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office. In 2014, ethanol blending was at a mere 1.53%.

“By 2022, India achieved 10% blending, five months ahead of schedule. The original target of 20% blending (E20) by 2030 was advanced to 2025 and has already been achieved in the current Ethanol Supply Year (ESY),” he said.

India, which has been aggressively pushing for cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternatives, achieved its E20 target well ahead of schedule in many regions, with nationwide adoption underway.

Puri’s remarks underscored the government’s long-term commitment to biofuels as a pillar of India’s energy security, rural empowerment, and environmental responsibility.

The Fireside Chat was part of the larger Pioneer Biofuels 360 Summit, a platform that brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss the future of sustainable fuels