UPSC Notes

Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) in India

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

The EBP is a multi-faceted policy addressing energy security, environmental sustainability, agricultural sector development, and economic implications. It involves inter-ministerial coordination and has significant impacts on industry and consumers, making it a crucial topic for governance, economy, and environment studies.

The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) is a key government initiative aimed at blending ethanol with petrol to reduce crude oil imports, enhance energy security, and lower vehicular emissions. It is part of India's broader strategy to promote biofuels and achieve environmental sustainability goals.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Target

Achieve 20% ethanol blending (E20) by 2025 (advanced from 2030).

Feedstock

Primarily sugarcane molasses, but also damaged food grains and surplus rice.

Benefits

Reduces import bill, provides remunerative prices to farmers, lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

Challenges

Compatibility with older vehicles, potential reduction in fuel efficiency, water intensity of sugarcane cultivation.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaEnergy Security
Conceptual areaEnvironmental Policy
Conceptual areaAgricultural Economics

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural GasFormulates and implements
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate ChangeProvides environmental clearances/guidelines
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Aims for 20% ethanol in petrol (E20) by 2025.
  • Reduces crude oil import dependence and forex outflow.
  • Promotes cleaner fuel, lowering vehicular emissions.
  • Benefits sugarcane farmers by utilizing surplus produce.
  • Raises concerns about vehicle compatibility and fuel efficiency in older models.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Energy SecurityEnvironmental PolicyAgricultural Economics

Centre ‘coercing’ vehicle manufacturers into silence on E20 issue: Kejriwal

30 Jul 2026 · India's Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) aims for 20% ethanol in petrol (E20) by 2025 to cut oil imports and emissions, facing challenges like vehicle compatibility and feedstock availability.

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Related topics

Current topic

Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) in India

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) in India in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) in India

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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