Government likely to increase ethanol blending in petrol to 27%

NEW DELHI: After achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol, the govt is likely to increase the target to 27% — and call the new blended-fuel E27.The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been instructed to come up with norms for the E27 fuel on a priority basis, and the first round of consultation will be held next week, officials said.Meanwhile, the road transport and highways ministry has asked the country’s premier vehicle testing and certification agency, ARAI, to carry out research on modification of engines for allowing use of petrol with 27% ethanol blending.These developments are significant considering that an empowered group of secretaries is likely to submit its final report soon on the roadmap to increase the percentage of ethanol in petrol as India pushes for reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuel and boosting income of farmers.A source in the consumer affairs department said BIS will also come up with the fuel standard for 10% blend of isobutanol (IBA) in diesel. “The focus is on alternative fuels. The norms for both E27 and 10% blend in IBA with diesel will be notified after detailed deliberations with all stakeholders. But these are on our priority list,” an official said.Officials said a 10% blend IBA in diesel is a potential biofuel option that can be used in diesel engines. However, this may require some engine adjustments depending on the specific engine and its operating conditions, they said.Meanwhile, in a move to allow vehicle manufacturers to produce 100% ethanol-fuelled vehicles (E100) and enable their registration, the road transport ministry has issued draft norms and sought response from all stakeholders.