The Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Thursday categorically denied media reports claiming that India is importing or plans to import large quantities of ethanol from the United States for its fuel blending programme, describing such claims as “baseless and factually incorrect.”
The Ministry clarified that ethanol used under the Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme is sourced entirely from domestic producers in accordance with the country’s existing policy framework.
It further stated that there is no import of ethanol from the United States for fuel blending purposes.
The Ministry also rejected suggestions that India had made any concessions or commitments regarding ethanol imports during the ongoing India-US trade discussions.
The Ministry said no concessions or commitments relating to the import of ethanol for fuel blending from the United States have been made in the bilateral trade negotiations.
Refuting speculation about a possible policy shift, the Ministry said any suggestion that India intends to permit large-scale imports of fuel ethanol from the US is misleading.
It reiterated that India’s fuel blending programme and ethanol procurement continue to be governed solely by the country’s domestic policy requirements.
