Launch of 20% Ethanol Blended Petrol
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, launched 20% ethanol blended petrol at select petrol pumps in 11 states and Union Territories on Monday, February 6th, 2023, as a part of the government’s program to increase the use of biofuels in the country. The program aims to reduce emissions and dependence on foreign countries for fuel.
According to authorities, the program is part of the government’s efforts to double the quantity of ethanol in petrol from the current 10% to 20% by 2025. In 2014, the use of ethanol in petrol was at 1.5% and with the government’s initiative, it has increased to 10%. The launch of 20% ethanol blended petrol is an important milestone in the government’s efforts to promote the use of biofuels.
Expansion of Blended Petrol to 15 Cities
Initially, 15 cities across the country will have access to 20% ethanol blended petrol, and in the coming two years, it will be expanded throughout the country. The government’s efforts in promoting biofuels have already resulted in a significant reduction in fuel imports and has saved the country Rs 54,894 crore.
Statements by Officials
“We have increased ethanol blending in petrol from 1.5 per cent (in 2014) to 10 per cent and are now progressing towards 20 per cent blending,” Mr. Modi said.
Ethanol-20 (petrol with 20% ethanol) will be available at 84 petrol pumps in 11 states and Union Territories. The Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, stated that India achieved the blending of 10% ethanol in petrol five months prior, in June 2022, and now, 20% ethanol blended petrol is being delivered on a pilot basis ahead of schedule.
“We also advanced the availability of E20 blendedpetrol to 2025, 5 years from earlier planned in 2030,” he said, adding that now E20 is being rolled out ahead of schedule on a pilot basis.
“As a country on a fast trajectory of economic growth, India is projected to witness the largest increase in energy demand of any country over the next two decades, accounting for close to 28 per cent of incremental global growth in energy demand,” he said.
Well-Received Efforts to Promote Domestic Resources
The Prime Minister, in his statement after the launch, emphasized the importance of promoting the use of biofuels and reducing the country’s dependence on foreign countries for fuel. He stated that the government’s efforts have already resulted in a significant reduction in fuel imports, and the launch of 20% ethanol blended petrol is a step forward in the right direction.
The government’s program to increase the use of biofuels has been well-received by the public and the industry, as it promotes the use of domestic resources and reduces emissions. The program has been recognized as a significant effort towards reducing the country’s carbon footprint and promoting a sustainable future.
NITI Aayog’s Roadmap for Ethanol Sales
As per the Roadmap prepared by NITI Aayog which is based on the projected sale of petrol, the estimated requirement of ethanol for blending with petrol is 542 crore litres for ESY 2022-23, 698 crore litres for ESY 2023-24, 988 crore litres for ESY 2024-25 and 1016 crore litres for ESY 2025-26.
Significant Step in Government’s Efforts to Promote Biofuels
In conclusion, the launch of 20% ethanol blended petrol in India is a significant step in the government’s efforts to promote the use of biofuels and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign countries for fuel. The program has already resulted in a significant reduction in fuel imports, and with the expanded availability of 20% ethanol blended petrol, the country is expected to make further progress in promoting the use of biofuels. The government’s efforts have been well-received by the public and the industry, and it is expected to play a crucial role in promoting a sustainable future for the country.
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