Ethanol Blending Petrol (EBP) Programme

Why in news?

The Union Home Minister hailed the ethanol blending programme as a transformative initiative for India’s sugar cooperatives and helps in promoting rural prosperity.

• EBP – It is an initiative aimed at increasing the proportion of ethanol in gasoline.
• The program promotes the blending of ethanol derived from sugarcane, maize and other agricultural feedstock with petrol.
• Launched in – 2003.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• Objective – To reduce the reliance on fossil fuel imports and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
• Target – Target of 20% blending of ethanol with petrol by 2025.
• As of July 2025, India achieved a 20% of ethanol blend, from just 1.5% in 2014.
• Framework for EBP – National Biofuel Policy, 2009, provides a framework for the implementation of EBP.
• Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) – To sell Ethanol Blended Petrol subject to commercial viability as per Bureau of Indian Standards.
• Coverage – This programme has been extended to the whole of India except the Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.

Quick Fact

References

1. The Hindu | Ethanol Programme a game changer
2. Vikaspedia | Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme