The government is exploring the use of ethanol as a cooking fuel as an alternative to conventional fuels such as LPG and PNG. The move is aimed at promoting cleaner cooking options while making better use of surplus ethanol production in the country.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote cleaner and alternative cooking fuels. Research is already underway to develop ethanol-based cooking systems that could eventually be used by households as well as commercial kitchens.
Read More | From Surplus to Export: India’s Next Big Move in Ethanol
The LPG Equipment Research Centre (LERC) in Bengaluru is leading the research. LERC is a joint initiative of state-run oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation. The centre is responsible for testing, certification and quality assurance of LPG equipment and accessories used across the oil marketing network.
Ethanol-based cookstoves are not a new concept. They have been used in several countries, particularly in Africa, over the past few years. These stoves use ethanol as fuel and work on principles similar to kerosene-based cooking stoves.
The proposal has also received support from the Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA). In March, the association wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to examine the feasibility of ethanol cookstoves for households, restaurants, street vendors and institutional kitchens.
Read More | Flex-Fuel Future: Gadkari Highlights How Ethanol Cars Could Transform India’s Mobility
According to GEMA, ethanol can provide cleaner combustion, reduce indoor air pollution and make use of a renewable fuel produced domestically. The UN Environment Programme has also highlighted the potential of ethanol cookstoves to provide high heat without the soot and smoke associated with traditional biomass fuels, helping improve indoor air quality.
Ethanol Blending in Diesel Ruled Out
While the government is exploring ethanol for cooking, it has ruled out blending ethanol with diesel for now. Public sector oil marketing companies conducted scientific studies on ethanol-diesel blends through their research centres, working with accredited laboratories and automobile manufacturers. The tests found that adding ethanol significantly reduced diesel’s flash point.
Petroleum Minister of State Suresh Gopi told the Rajya Sabha that ethanol-blended diesel did not meet the required flash-point specifications. The sharp reduction in flash point raised concerns over the safe handling and use of the fuel.
The government has also said that there is currently no decision to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20%. India has been promoting E20 petrol, which contains up to 20% ethanol, as part of its fuel-blending programme.
Read More | Nitin Gadkari Pushes 100% Ethanol Blending to Cut Oil Imports, Flags Energy Security Risks
No US Ethanol Imports for Fuel Blending
The developments come amid discussions around India’s ethanol supply and fuel-blending policy. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently rejected reports that India was importing, or planning to import, large quantities of ethanol from the United States for fuel blending.
The ministry said ethanol used under the Ethanol Blended with Petrol Programme (EBP) is sourced from domestic producers. It also clarified that India has made no commitment or concession to import ethanol from the US for fuel blending. The government said the country’s ethanol procurement and fuel-blending programme continues to be guided by domestic policy requirements.
E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards, Say OMCs
Meanwhile, state-run oil marketing companies have carried out additional testing of E20 petrol following reports about possible moisture and chloride contamination.
Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation said the nationwide testing covered the entire fuel supply chain. According to the companies, the quality of E20 petrol remained within the prescribed standards.
Read More | Can India Afford Ethanol Blending Amid Rising Water Crisis?
The oil companies have said consumers can continue using E20 petrol, adding that fuel supplied through their networks is subject to quality checks and monitoring at different stages of the supply chain.
With ethanol production rising in India, the government is now looking beyond petrol blending to explore other uses for the biofuel. Ethanol-based cooking could become one such application if ongoing research establishes that it can offer a safe, reliable and commercially viable alternative to conventional cooking fuels.
Indrani Priyadarshini is a journalist and editorial professional specialising in technology, artificial intelligence, smart cities, green energy, and digital transformation. With over four years of experience in tech journalism and digital media, she is known for turning complex industry developments into clear, engaging, and insightful stories. Her expertise spans reporting, editorial strategy, digital publishing workflows, and in-depth coverage of emerging technologies shaping the future.
