India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is exploring the use of ethanol as a cooking fuel, potentially blending it with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to reduce import dependence. According to a report by the Times of India on July 20, 2026, the plan is in early stages, with the ministry seeking input from stakeholders on technical feasibility and safety standards.
The initiative follows India's successful rollout of E20 petrol (20% ethanol blend) and aims to leverage the country's growing ethanol production capacity. Currently, India imports about 60% of its LPG needs, and substituting even a fraction with domestically produced ethanol could save foreign exchange. The government has set a target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26, and similar ambitions for cooking fuel are being discussed.
However, experts caution that ethanol's lower calorific value compared to LPG may require modified stoves and safety protocols. The Ministry of Petroleum has not yet announced a timeline or specific blending ratio. The plan is part of broader efforts to boost renewable energy use and support sugarcane farmers, who supply ethanol feedstock.
