Business / Relief from expensive petrol .. now target to mix 20 percent ethanol in petrol by 2025-26

New Delhi . The Union Cabinet has given the green signal to meet the target of 20 percent adulteration of ethanol in petrol by 2025-26, five years ahead of the predetermined deadline. Earlier, a target of 2030 was set for this. At present, about 10 percent ethanol is mixed in petrol. The Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels. Under this, the production of ethanol will increase. Along with this, the use of many more crops has also been approved to increase production.

Let us tell you that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas implemented the National Biofuel Policy in 2009. Later, this ministry had notified the National Policy-2018 on Biofuels on June 4, 2018 in its place. The Modi government has set a target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol in the next 2 years. This will give relief to a great extent in the case of expensive oil imports.

The major amendments approved to the biofuel policy include allowing export of biofuel in special cases. Along with this, the cabinet has also approved to promote biofuel production in the country under the 'Make in India' program. It will be encouraged by Special Economic Zones (SEZs) or exporting units.

Self-reliant India will get a boost

Let us tell you that India is currently dependent on imports for 85 percent of its crude oil needs. In such a situation, the biofuel policy will be very helpful, which will reduce the country's dependence on imports. It has been said by the government that since many more products are being allowed for biofuel production, this will give a boost to self-reliant India. This will help fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of making India self-reliant in energy matters by 2047.