The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme is a government scheme that mandates the blending of ethanol, a renewable biofuel, with petrol for use as a motor fuel. The programme was formally launched in January 2003 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). Its primary purpose is to reduce India's heavy dependence on imported crude oil, achieve energy security, and lower vehicular carbon emissions. The initial target was a 5% ethanol blend in selected states and union territories.
The mechanism requires Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to procure ethanol from domestic sources at government-administered prices and sell the blended fuel. Ethanol is produced from various feedstocks, including sugarcane juice, molasses, corn, and damaged food grains like broken rice. The EBP Programme is governed by the National Policy on Biofuels, which was first promulgated in 2009 and superseded by the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. The National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC) provides overall coordination and monitoring for the programme. The Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25 details the phased implementation plan.
A significant recent change occurred with the amendment of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 in 2022. This amendment advanced the target for 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) from the original deadline of 2030 to the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. The target of 10% blending was successfully achieved in June 2022, five months ahead of schedule. The amendment also expanded the list of eligible feedstocks for biofuel production.