According to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday, India is set to offer 20% ethanol-blended fuel, which would be sold in select outlets starting next month. Puri, speaking at the kickoff of India Energy Week 2023 in Bengaluru, also stated that the 20% ethanol blending will not necessitate engine changes.
“We have achieved 10 per cent blending of petrol in June 2022, which was well ahead of the November 2022 deadline. We have also accelerated efforts to reach the ambitious goal of E-20 (20 per cent ethanol blending in gasoline) by ethanol supply year (ESY) 2025-2026. In fact, E-20 will be available at selected outlets from next month,” said the minister.
He also indicated that 2G (second generation) refineries would be built to produce ethanol from Parali (Panipat) and Bamboo (Numaligarh), with the dual goal of decreasing pollution and meeting energy security goals.
The minister also stated that the country’s import basket has been diversified. “From only 27 countries (2006-2007), we have increased the number to 39 countries (2021-22). In the process, we have added new countries like Libya, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Guyana; while strengthening our relationship with countries like the US and Russia,” said Puri.
According to him, reforms have increased India’s oil production by 18%, from 28.7 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2020-21 to 34 BCM in 2021-22, with a further increase to 36 BCM in 2022-23. Our oil output has climbed from 29.7 MMT in 2021-22 to 30.8 MMT in 2022-23 and is anticipated to rise to 34 MMT in 2023-24.
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