Summary:

The government is proposing a 5% ethanol blend in diesel (ED-5) as it aims to meet its 20% ethanol blending target within two years. A recent meeting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office included all relevant departments. This initiative seeks to enhance environmental benefits and reduce crude oil import costs. In May, ethanol blending in petrol surpassed 15% for the first time due to increased biofuel production capacity.

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) tested ethanol-blended diesel in BS-III and BS-VI buses in 2018-19, finding no major issues and slightly lower fuel consumption compared to standard diesel. Further testing on BS-VI vehicles is needed, with a public-sector oil company planning trials on heavy-duty trucks. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri noted that ethanol blending with diesel remains experimental, revealing concerns such as deposit formation and a 6-7% reduction in efficiency.

Source: IBEF

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