India's Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme continued to expand in 2025, but official year-end data does not support the shipped claim that 20% blending was achieved in December 2025. The Department of Food and Public Distribution stated that the EBP target is 20% blending of ethanol with petrol by Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26. It also stated that ESY 2024-25 achieved 19.24% blending. Ethanol supply to oil marketing companies was 38 crore litres in ESY 2013-14, while existing ethanol production capacity as on 31 October 2025 had risen to 1953 crore litres, including 980 crore litres grain-based and 973 crore litres molasses or dual-feed capacity. Government measures include feedstock expansion, maize-cluster development, allocation of surplus FCI rice and administered procurement-price support.
India's Ethanol Blending Reaches 19.24% in ESY 2024-25; 20% Target Set for ESY 2025-26
Official year-end data says India achieved 19.24% ethanol blending during ESY 2024-25; the EBP target is 20% blending by ESY 2025-26, with ethanol production capacity at 1953 crore litres as on 31 October 2025.
Key facts
- 20% ethanol blending achieved in December 2025 — 5 years ahead of the 2030 target
- Maize is the largest feedstock contributing ~50% of ethanol supply
- Ethanol production grew from 38 crore litres to over 1,000 crore litres
- Foreign exchange savings of approximately ₹1 lakh crore from reduced crude imports
- Government is now discussing 27–30% blending target by 2030
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
- RAS 2021 Main sources of biomass energy in Rajasthan — The PYQ tests biomass energy sources; this article operationalises biomass-derived ethanol blending reaching 20% in petrol, with maize as the leading feedstock.
Mains angle
Q: Evaluate the significance of India achieving 20% ethanol blending by December 2025 under the Ethanol Blending Programme and discuss its implications for energy security, farmer income, and forex savings.
Answer (50 words):
India achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol by December 2025, five years ahead of the National Biofuel Policy's 2030 target. Maize became the largest feedstock (~50%); production surged from 38 crore to 1,000+ crore litres. ₹1 lakh crore forex was saved; the government now targets 27-30% blending by 2030.
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Source: AIR / DD News
Frequently asked questions
When did India achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol?
India achieved 20% ethanol blending in December 2025, approximately five years ahead of the original 2030 target under the National Biofuel Policy.
Which is the largest feedstock for ethanol production in India as of December 2025?
Maize (corn) became the largest feedstock, contributing approximately 50% of India's total ethanol supply.
How much did India's ethanol production capacity grow?
Production capacity grew from 38 crore litres to over 1,000 crore litres (10 billion litres).
What is the next ethanol blending target India is considering?
India is discussing a target of 27–30% ethanol blending by 2030.
What foreign exchange benefit did India gain from the ethanol blending programme?
India saved approximately ₹1 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing crude oil imports through ethanol blending.
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