Ethanol: India
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State import and export duty: Ethanol
The Times of India Jan 31 2015
State duty on ethanol curbs its availability
Dipak Dash
Delhi charges Rs 2 as “import duty“ whereas UP levies Re 1 as “export duty“ on per litre of ethanol. This is not peculiar to this part of the country. Another eight states either charge some import or export duty or both on movement of ethanol. The list of states includes some of the major sugarcane producing states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab.The practice is on despite the UPA and now the NDA pushing for more blending of ethanol in petrol. Ethanol is a cheaper and cleaner fuel.
Sources said road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, who is pushing for more use of ethanol including introducing vehicles that can run on 85% and 90% blending of ethanol, is keen to resolve the prevailing “duties“ across different states.
Ethanol production, 2016-17
Dipak Dash, Record yield of ethanol may cut govt's fuel bill, Dec 12, 2016: The Times of India
Sugar mills recorded the highest ever production of ethanol of more than 110 crore litres during 2015-16 crop year, over 50% more than what was produced during 2015-16.
According to food ministry officials, this resulted in achieving 4.4% ethanol blending in petrol, which was almost double of 2014-15. Government has set a target of increasing this blending of ethanol in petrol to 10% in its bid to reduce import of crude oil.
Ethanol is produced from sugarcane molasses. Blending of ethanol in petrol helps in saving fuel, and consequently foreign exchange.
“During 2014-15 crop year, a total of about 68 crore litres of ethanol was produced and in the previous year it was only 37 crore litres. During last crop year, we, in association with the petroleum ministry , developed a national grid to improve the supply of ethanol to oil marketing companies. Sugar mills close to the oil depots linked,“ said a food ministry official.
In November 2012, the UPA Cabinet had approved 5% mandatory blending of ethanol with petrol, which was notified by the Centre under the Motor Spirits Act in January 2013. Oil companies had to record this target by June 2013.
Earlier this year, Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said that it was found that blending can be raised up to 15-20% for both ethanol in petrol and biodiesel without a major change in existing car engines.
Sources said during this sugar season the ethanol production may be less than the achievement of last crop year due to less sugarcane production in Maharashtra.
Use of ethanol
2019>21
From: August 10, 2021: The Times of India
See graphic:
Use of ethanol in India, 2019>21
2013-23
From: [From the archives, Oct 9, 2023: The Times of India]
See graphic:
Ethanol blending, 2014- 23
