India to Mandate Diesel-Isobutanol Blending by Year-End

India plans to mandate the blending of isobutanol with diesel by the end of the year to enhance energy security. The initiative, alongside truck-trailer interchangeability and new hydrogen logistics, aims to boost the decarbonization of transport sectors, according to the transport ministry's Umashankar.

India is set to introduce a requirement for mixing isobutanol with diesel by the year's end to bolster the country's energy security and support the decarbonization of the road and highways sector. This announcement came from V Umashankar, Secretary of the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways, during the CII Multimodal Transportation and Logistics Summit.

In addition to the blending mandate, Umashankar disclosed plans for an imminent draft notification regarding the interchangeability of truck trailers. This move aims to establish infrastructure for battery-swapping and charging facilities for electric heavy commercial vehicles. Umashankar highlighted diesel's greater consumption compared to petrol, emphasizing the significant impact on energy security.

The ministry also discussed progress on hydrogen logistics, including successful pilot projects supported by the government in Delhi. Hydrogen buses have been introduced, and new refueling stations are in development. Umashankar also pointed to the expansion of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system, set to widen across the country, allowing vehicles to pass toll plazas without stopping.

Further efforts include enhancing expressways to increase vehicle speed, segregating fast and slow-moving traffic. These developments align with government strategies to optimize road transport systems nationwide.