Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme and the National Policy on Biofuels
The EBP Programme, run by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, mandates blending of ethanol with petrol to cut crude oil import bills and vehicular emissions. The National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 (amended in 2022) advanced the 20% blending (E20) target from 2030 to Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26. India in fact crossed the 20% blending mark in November 2025, roughly five years ahead of the original schedule, and E20 fuel became mandatory across all States and Union Territories from April 1, 2026.
- Blending trajectory: 12.06% (ESY 2022-23) → 14.60% (ESY 2023-24) → 17.98% (ESY 2024-25, up to February 2025) → over 20% achieved by November 2025.
- The 2018 policy promotes multiple feedstocks: sugarcane/molasses (C-heavy, B-heavy), damaged food grains, surplus rice/maize, and agricultural residues — moving away from sugarcane-only ethanol.
- The government's next-phase target (E30, i.e., 30% blending) is under discussion for rollout between 2028 and 2030, pending further scientific and engine-compatibility studies.
● Tracked since July 24, 2026 · last seen September 05, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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