Ethanol-blended diesel fails safety test, says govt; wider use ruled out for now
Ethanol-blended diesel fails safety specifications, lowering its flash point significantly. Public sector oil companies tested these blends, finding them unsuitable for current use. India is expanding ethanol use in petrol and exploring it for cooking fuel. Oil marketing companies have already procured large volumes of ethanol for blending. Further decisions on petrol blending will follow…
Delhi: Ethanol blended diesel failed safety standards as ethanol reduced diesel's flash point, according to the government. This limits ethanol's use unless the technical issue is resolved, stated Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Suresh Gopi in Parliament on Monday. Public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) conducted research and development tests with accredited labs and automakers.
However, isobutanol is not currently blended with diesel. The government has not decided to increase ethanol in petrol beyond 20%, which is already targeted. Meanwhile, OMCs issued a tender for 10.5 billion litres of ethanol in 2025-26, receiving 17.6 billion litres, nearly 68% more. The government is also exploring ethanol for cooking fuel, which could reduce reliance on imported LPG and utilize surplus ethanol production.
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