Srinagar, June 21 -- India's journey towards cleaner and domestically produced fuels has often been presented as one of its biggest energy success stories. Over the past decade, the country has steadily increased ethanol blending in petrol, eventually achieving the ambitious E20 target. Today, policymakers are looking beyond E20 and exploring a future where E85 and even E100 fuels become part of India's transportation ecosystem. Discussions are also underway regarding the use of isobutanol in diesel engines.
The objective is clear: reduce dependence on imported crude oil, save foreign exchange, support farmers and lower carbon emissions.
At first glance, the proposal appears both logical and promising. India imports nearly 85 percent of i...