New Delhi, July 11 -- The Centre on Friday made another push for its ethanol blending programme, arguing that it has transformed farm economics, reduced crude oil imports and strengthened India's energy security, even as public criticism mounts over the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol (80% petrol and 20% ethanol). Speaking at the Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA) Ethanol Conclave 2026, Ashwini Srivastava, director in the ministry of food and consumer affairs said that the ethanol blending programme had virtually eliminated the chronic problem of delayed payments to sugarcane farmers and emerged as a key pillar of India's energy transition. His remarks come days after the government faced criticism over concerns that higher eth...