No Ethanol-Diesel Mandate Yet, Says Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri informed Parliament that there are currently no plans to mandate ethanol blending with diesel, though tests have been conducted. The minister emphasized the focus remains on increasing ethanol blending with petrol to up to 30 percent by 2030 to improve energy security and reduce emissions.

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri announced in Parliament on Monday that there are no current plans to mandate the blending of ethanol with diesel, describing the initiative as still in its experimental phase during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha.

Puri explained that oil marketing companies have conducted tests blending up to 7% ethanol with diesel in collaboration with the Automotive Research Association of India and select auto companies. Initial results indicate a flashpoint reduction to 15 degrees Celsius with a 5% blend, raising concerns about material compatibility, fuel stability, and potential fuel tank deposits.

As the definition goes, the flash point is the temperature at which fuel ignites when exposed to a flame under controlled heating. Puri also highlighted the success in ethanol-petrol blending, which began in 2014 and is expected to reach 20% by 2025. The move aims to cut oil import costs, enhance energy security, and reduce carbon emissions.