In exercise of powers conferred by section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act

## Report on Ethanol Blended Petrol Policy Notification **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, issued on June 2nd, 2021. This notification mandates that Oil Companies shall sell Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) with an ethanol percentage of up to twenty percent, adhering to Bureau of Indian Standards specifications, across all States and Union Territories. The primary purpose, inferred from the text, is to promote the use of ethanol-blended petrol. The notification supersedes a previous notification from 2019 and comes into effect on April 1st, 2023. Key findings include the mandatory nature of the directive for Oil Companies and the nationwide scope of its implementation. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas notification S.O. 2133(E), dated June 2nd, 2021, regarding the sale of Ethanol Blended Petrol. This analysis is based solely on the information provided within the notification text itself. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy directive. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to mandate the sale of Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) with an ethanol percentage of up to twenty percent. This suggests a broader objective of promoting the use of ethanol as a fuel blend. **4. Background and Rationale:** Since this is a new policy directive (superseding a previous one), the likely problem/issue addressed is the need to increase the use of ethanol in petrol. This could be driven by factors such as reducing reliance on imported petroleum, supporting the agricultural sector (ethanol production), or addressing environmental concerns through a potentially cleaner-burning fuel. The move to a 20% blend suggests an escalation of prior efforts. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * This is a new policy, establishing the following requirements: * **Mandate:** Oil Companies *shall* sell Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP). * **Ethanol Percentage:** The EBP must contain up to twenty percent ethanol. * **Standards:** The EBP must adhere to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications. * **Geographic Scope:** The mandate applies to the whole of the States and Union Territories of India. * **Supersession:** The notification supersedes G.S.R. 107 (E) dated 5th February, 2019, with the exception of actions already taken or omitted before the new notification comes into effect. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and directly affected stakeholders are: * **Oil Companies:** They are directly mandated to sell EBP. * **Consumers:** Consumers will have access to, and potentially be required to purchase, EBP. * **Bureau of Indian Standards:** Responsible for maintaining the specification. Other indirect stakeholders include ethanol producers, automotive manufacturers, and environmental agencies. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the issuing authority. Oil Companies are responsible for implementation. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets the specifications. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification comes into force on April 1st, 2023. Specific procedures for compliance (e.g., reporting, testing) are not detailed in the text but would likely be established separately. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this policy, based on the provisions in the text, are: * **Increased Ethanol Consumption:** A significant increase in the consumption of ethanol as a fuel blend. * **Reduced Petroleum Imports:** Potentially a reduction in the country's dependence on imported petroleum. * **Support for Ethanol Production:** Stimulation of the domestic ethanol production industry. * **Environmental Benefits:** Potential reduction in emissions compared to traditional petrol (though this is not explicitly stated). **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas notification S.O. 2133(E) represents a significant policy shift towards the widespread adoption of Ethanol Blended Petrol in India. By mandating a 20% ethanol blend across all States and Union Territories, the government aims to achieve multiple objectives, including reducing petroleum imports, supporting the agricultural sector, and potentially improving air quality. The impact of this policy will be significant for Oil Companies, consumers, and the broader energy landscape of India. The effective implementation of this directive will be crucial in realizing its intended benefits.

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