Ethanol Cooking Fuel Plan Takes Shape

The Central Government is preparing to introduce ethanol as an alternative cooking fuel alongside LPG. With surplus ethanol production and rising LPG import costs due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the government is exploring a plan to use ethanol for domestic cooking. Officials expect the policy to be ready by September, aiming to reduce dependence on LPG imports while making effective use of excess ethanol.

Since ethanol is produced from sugarcane and maize, the initiative is also expected to benefit farmers by creating additional demand for agricultural produce. The government is considering providing subsidies for ethanol cooking fuel, similar to LPG subsidies. However, ethanol cannot be used on existing LPG stoves. Consumers will require specially designed "Super Blue" ethanol stoves, which may also be offered with subsidy support.

Instead of home delivery like LPG cylinders, consumers will have to purchase ethanol from dedicated kiosks or "ethanol ATMs" planned at petrol pumps. According to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, one litre of ethanol can provide nearly 15 hours of cooking. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi clarified that the government has no immediate plans to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current E20 level, stating that further decisions will be taken only after detailed studies and consultations.