Ethanol blending for fuel a welcome move, but transition challenges remain

From the consumer point of view, the transition needed better management

The announcement of achieving the E20 fuel, or a 20 per cent ethanol blend in motor fuel this year, five years ahead of schedule, and the intention to move beyond to E27, must be welcomed at a time when greenhouse-gas (GHG) emission has been sharply rising thanks to India’s thermal-power plants, and urban pollution is becoming a nationwide health crisis. E20 is a viable means of aligning with India’s “nationally determined contribution” to reach “net zero” by 2070 and reducing the country’s dependence on imported crude oil. The government data shows that from ethanol supply year (ESY) 2014-15