India Removes Excise Duty On E22-E30 Ethanol Petrol | Big Clean Fuel Policy Update

India's ethanol blending programme has entered a new phase with the Centre removing excise duty on petrol containing higher ethanol blends between 22% and 30%. The move follows the notification of standards for E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuels, along with the launch of E85 petrol in select markets. However, the government has clarified that this is not an immediate rollout of higher-blend ethanol fuel. Instead, it is a preparatory step aimed at facilitating future testing and implementation. Speaking on the development, CHETAN BHUTANI, BUSINESS TODAY, highlighted that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas views the decision as a prerequisite for future expansion rather than a formal launch announcement. The move supports India's long-term goals of reducing crude oil imports and boosting cleaner fuel adoption.