India is projected to meet its goal of 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol by February 2025, as stated by Union Minister for Petroleum Hardeep Puri. This assertion followed remarks from Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who indicated that the target would be achieved as early as next month.

During his address at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) 3rd International Symposium for Thriving Eco-Energy in Mobility, Minister Puri noted that the initial deadline for reaching the 20 percent ethanol blending target was set for 2030, but it has since been revised to 2025. "We are now likely to achieve 20 percent biofuel blending by next month," ANI reported him as saying. He emphasized the urgent necessity to decrease reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in light of India's current consumption of 5.4 million barrels of crude oil per day.

Puri also highlighted that the 67 million individuals who visit petrol stations daily are already reaping the benefits of biofuel-blended fuel. He further mentioned that the ethanol blending initiative has resulted in savings of approximately $14.5 billion in foreign exchange over the past decade and has led to a reduction of 57.8 million metric tons in CO2 emissions. The government asserts that increasing ethanol blending will not only lessen the nation's energy dependence but also stimulate economic growth, ultimately leading to a significant decrease in vehicular emissions.

At present, the Indian automotive sector is undergoing a substantial transformation within the energy landscape. The industry is currently utilizing a combination of compressed biogas, natural gas, compressed natural gas (CNG), and electric vehicles (EVs), in addition to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. Regarding the Indian automotive industry, Puri remarked on its crucial contribution to the nation's economic development, having created approximately 45 million jobs and revolutionized mobility and connectivity throughout the country.

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