India emerges as world’s 3rd largest biofuel producer: Hardeep Puri

New Delhi:  In the global energy landscape, India stands strong as the third largest biofuel producer, driving the shift towards cleaner and renewable energy, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, said on Monday.

The minister highlighted in a post on X social media platform that “India has achieved 19.6 per cent ethanol blending in petrol as of January this year and is set to achieve 20 per cent very soon – five years ahead of the original 2030 schedule, reducing fuel imports and emissions.”

During the last 10 years the ethanol blending initiatives have enhanced farmer incomes as it is made from sugarcane, increased rural employment, reduced CO2 emissions equivalent to planting 1.75 crore trees and resulted in savings of Rs 85,000 crore worth of foreign exchange, according to official estimates.

Public sector oil companies, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum, have been at the forefront of this endeavour, introducing various blends of Ethanol with Petrol across the country.

The oil marketing companies have signed agreements with 131 dedicated ethanol plants. These plants are expected to add an annual production design capacity of 745 crore litres. OMCs have also invested in increasing storage capacity and allied infrastructure for handling higher blending percentages.

The minister also highlighted that, “E100 fuel is now available at 400+ outlets nationwide, bringing India closer to a cleaner, greener future. A journey of progress, innovation, and sustainability.”

The Petroleum Minister first launched Ethanol (E) 100 fuel at 183 outlets of Indian Oil in March 2024. With its high-octane rating, typically between 100-105, Ethanol 100 proves ideal for high-performance engines, ensuring improved efficiency and power output all while minimising environmental impact.

Moreover, Ethanol 100’s can be used in a wide array of vehicles, including flex-fuel vehicles designed to run on gasoline, ethanol, or any blend of the two, showcasing its practicality and potential to become a mainstream fuel option with the right infrastructure in place.

“From the quiet town of Digboi to the world’s top energy markets, India’s petroleum journey is a story of resilience & progress, guided by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Puri said.

In this context, he highlighted that India has now become the 4th largest in the world in LNG terminal capacity, ensuring a stable and secure energy supply.

The country also has the 4th largest global refining capacity in the world, reinforcing its role as a major energy hub. This has also enabled India to become the 7th largest exporter of refined petroleum products, strengthening global trade and fuel security, the minister added.

—IANS