Ethanol Blending Rise Fails to Curb Oil Imports

India is blending petrol with ethanol, currently at 18.9% aiming to lower the import bill and emissions.

Although the goal is to reduce crude oil imports, the imports increased from 234 million to 243 million tonnes.

Petrol prices have seen only marginal decreases, despite the blending increase.

Factors like sustained petrol use, increased e-commerce, and diesel demand are influencing crude oil import levels.

The blending program began in 2003 to reduce crude oil import bill, lower emissions, and assist farmers.