A 1% shift in India's annual petrol vehicle sales to ethanol-powered vehicles could generate foreign exchange savings of nearly Rs 195 crore during an ethanol supply year, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Wednesday.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Puri said the launch of mass-market flex-fuel mobility marks a significant step in India's efforts to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and promote cleaner transportation alternatives.
The minister said E85 fuel, a blend containing up to 85% ethanol, will be made available through designated dispensing stations across the country. He added that E85 would be "substantially cheaper than normal fuel," making it an attractive option for consumers.
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"Mass market flex fuel mobility has begun today," Puri said, highlighting the government's push to expand the use of domestically produced biofuels.
The minister, however, stopped short of providing a timeline for a nationwide rollout of E85 fuel. "I am not putting a timeline on E85 rollout," he said.
On pricing, Puri said consumers would soon get clarity on the cost advantage. "It will be substantially cheaper, we will find out in a few days," he added.
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The minister said the introduction of flex-fuel vehicles and higher ethanol blends could deliver significant economic benefits through lower crude oil imports and reduced forex outgo.
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