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Madhya Pradesh, a state in India, is actively supporting the country’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and promote cleaner energy. The program aims to increase ethanol blending in petrol to 20% by 2025. According to the Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, the country has made significant progress, with a 10% ethanol blend in June 2022, surpassing the original schedule.
The blending rate has continued to rise, reaching 12.06% in 2022-23, 14.60% in 2023-24, and 17.98% in 2024-25. In February 2025, the blending rate reached 19.68%. Public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) are selling up to 20% ethanol-blended petrol, depending on ethanol availability in states like Madhya Pradesh.
The state government has introduced the “Special Financial Assistance Policy for Ethanol and Bio-fuel” to promote the use of sugarcane, corn, and agricultural waste for biofuel. Several new projects are underway, including the construction of an ethanol plant in Balaghat by Nayara Energy and a grain-based ethanol plant in Seoni by Hydrise Group.
To support India’s goal of increasing ethanol blending, the government continues to push for higher production, even after banning the use of sugarcane juice and syrup for ethanol in 2023-24. Despite this, 1.8 billion liters of ethanol were supplied from sugarcane and grain sources between November and February. The government believes India will meet its blending target, with 57% of ethanol supply contracts fulfilled by sugar mills and distilleries.
The increasing production of ethanol will help reduce pollution, create jobs, and promote energy security. India’s goal of increasing ethanol blending is a step towards a greener and more sustainable future.