During the ISMA’s conference, Food Minister Pralhad Joshi announced on Thursday that India is looking to raise domestic prices for both sugar and ethanol.
Currently, ethanol produced from cane juice is priced at Rs 65.61 per litre, while ethanol from B-Heavy and C-Heavy molasses is priced at Rs 60.73 and Rs 56.28 per litre, respectively.
Speaking to reporters at an event, Joshi confirmed that the government is considering proposals to increase the ethanol price for the 2024-25 season, along with the minimum selling price of sugar.
The country has set target for a 20 per cent ethanol blending target by 2025. In August, ethanol blending in petrol reached 15.8 percent, and cumulative ethanol blending from November 2023 to August 2024 stood at 13.6 percent.
As per DFPD, India’s ethanol production capacity has risen from 518 crore liters in 2017-18 to an impressive 1,623 crore liters in 2023-24 (As on 31st August 2024), demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering a greener future.
According to the DFPD, India’s Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) is progressing successfully. States such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Sikkim, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh have exceeded their ethanol production capacities, enhancing not only energy self-sufficiency but also empowering farmers. These states are also assisting smaller states with their ethanol supply needs.
