The government is evaluating a plan to introduce a 5% ethanol blend in diesel (ED-5) as it nears its goal of 20% ethanol blending in petrol within the next 2 years. A meeting on this proposal took place last week at the Prime Minister’s Mr. Narendra Modi Office, with all relevant ministries in attendance. This initiative aims to improve environmental benefits and reduce crude oil import costs. In May, ethanol blending in petrol exceeded 15% for the first time, thanks to increased purchases from biofuel producers who have significantly expanded their production capacities.
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) conducted trials on BS-III and BS-VI buses in 2018-19 to assess ethanol-blended diesel’s performance, emissions, and durability. The 500-hour test showed no major failures and slightly lower fuel consumption than regular diesel. However, further trials on BS-VI vehicles are still needed, and a public sector oil company is expected to test the fuel on a heavy-duty vehicle soon. Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri recently stated that ethanol blending with diesel is currently experimental, with initial tests revealing issues such as deposit formation in fuel tanks. Although most vehicles can handle 10% ethanol-blended petrol with minor adjustments for 20% blends, ethanol’s lower energy content leads to a 6-7% reduction in fuel efficiency.
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