Government To Meet Industry Stakeholders On Ethanol Blending, Pricing—NDTV Profit Exclusive

The Indian Sugar Mills Association and oil marketing companies will meet the government on Tuesday to discuss ethanol blending, pricing, and clarity on ethanol policy at Nitin Gadkari's residence, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution of India Pralhad Joshi and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India Hardeep Singh Puri are also expected to participate, the person told NDTV profit on the condition of anonymity.

The development comes as the government aims to achieve 20% blending of ethanol with petrol by this year in its Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme. At present, petrol in India is blended with 19% ethanol.

Previously, the government hiked the price of ethanol produced from C-Heavy molasses-based by Rs 1.69 per litre to Rs 57.97 per litre. Meanwhile, the prices of ethanol produced from B-Heavy molasses and ethanol produced from sugar cane juice remain unchanged at Rs 60.73 per litre and Rs 65.60 per litre, respectively, for the second consecutive year.