(a) whether the Government has launched the E-100 pilot project for production and
distribution of ethanol across the country;
(b) if so, the details of this initiative and the aims and objectives thereof;
(c) whether the Government is committed to meet its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending
in petrol by 2025; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
(SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)
(a) & (b): E-100 pilot projects been launched at Pune city by Public Sector Oil Marketing
Companies (OMCs) on 5thJune, 2021. With a view to enhance fuel choice and facilitate sale
of E-100 fuel, MoP&NG vide its order dated 22ndMarch, 2021 has amended the Motor Spirit
and High Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices)
Order, 2005 by permitting the direct sale of Bio-ethanol (E100) by an oil company for use as
standalone fuel or blending with motor spirit, for compatible automobiles to all consumers,
in accordance with the standards specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
(c) & (d): The Notified National Policy on Biofuels – 2018, provided an indicative target of
blending 20% ethanol in petrol by 2030. Government has undertaken several supply and
demand side interventions since 2014 which has enabled improvement in ethanol blending
from average 1.53% during Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 to 7.93% during ongoing
ESY 2020-21 as on 12th July, 2021. An Interdepartmental Expert Committee under the
Chairmanship of Additional Secretary NITI Aayog has submitted a “Roadmap for Ethanol
Blending in India 2020-25” which outlines the journey for 20% ethanol blending in the
country. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has published a Notification dated 02nd
June, 2021, wherein, it has been stated that OMCs shall sell ethanol blended petrol with
percentage of ethanol upto 20% as per BIS Specifications in the whole of India and Union
Territories and shall come into effect from 01st April, 2023.
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