India has emerged as the world's third-largest biofuel producer as the country continues to make progress in ethanol blending, which has reached 19.6% as of January. This was announced by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday, March 3.
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“From the quiet town of Digboi to the world’s top energy markets,” Puri posted on X, “India’s petroleum journey is a story of resilience & progress, guided by the visionary leadership of PM @narendramodi ji.”
With India set to achieve 20% ethanol production much earlier than its original 2030 target, Puri specified that this development will help reduce fuel imports and cut carbon emissions.
Over the past decade, ethanol blending has boosted rural economic growth, raised farmers' incomes, and generated employment while reducing CO₂ emissions. Official estimates suggest that the emission reductions are equivalent to planting 175 million trees.
The initiative has also saved the country ₹85,000 crore in foreign exchange by cutting dependence on crude oil imports.
Relatedly, India has secured the fourth position globally in LNG terminal capacity, fourth in refining capacity and is the seventh-largest exporter of refined petroleum products.