New Delhi, April 22 -- India is making a policy move towards high-blend ethanol and flex-fuel vehicles as the West Asia war threatens to disrupt the country's energy supply. Government officials are holding talks with automakers and state-run refiners to coordinate the rollout of engines capable of running on up to 85% ethanol, said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary, ministry of petroleum and natural gas (MopNG), while addressing the media on the West Asia war and the domestic fuel stock situation.

The push for energy self-sufficiency has gained urgency due to supply chain volatility near the Strait of Hormuz, from where 60% of India's crude imports are sourced. New Delhi is now looking at its current 20% blending target as a stepping stone...