New Delhi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Thursday that discussions with oil marketing companies regarding ethanol fuel prices will take place after the Delhi elections, reports Devdiscourse.
Speaking at the 4th Edition of the Sugar-Ethanol and Bio Energy India Conference 2025, he stressed the importance of making ethanol more affordable for consumers. He also welcomed Indian Oil’s decision to set up 400 ethanol pumps as a step in the right direction.
Gadkari criticized the current pricing of ethanol at ₹110 per litre, pointing out that it is costlier than petrol, making it less appealing as an alternative fuel. He assured that the government is working on adjusting procurement and retail prices to encourage wider use. Meetings on the issue are scheduled for February 6 or 7.
The minister also spoke about the economic benefits for sugar factories if they invest in ethanol pumps, which could generate additional revenue. He further highlighted the use of lignin, a byproduct of converting rice straw into bio-CNG, in road construction to help tackle India’s bitumen shortage. Urging oil companies to source lignin just like ethanol, he also encouraged CNG producers to explore hydrogen production as a new opportunity.
