Oil Companies Advocate for Ethanol as a Sustainable Cooking Fuel to Reduce LPG Import Reliance
The petroleum sector in India is advocating for the adoption of ethanol as a clean cooking fuel, aiming to reduce the country’s reliance on imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). R S Ravi, the Director (Downstream) at the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), made this proposal during the All India Distillers’ Association conference. He highlighted ongoing research into ethanol-compatible cooking stoves and called for collaboration between the distillery industry and manufacturers to establish a robust supply chain for household ethanol distribution.
Research and Development of Ethanol Stoves
R S Ravi emphasized the significant research efforts underway at various institutions, including the LPG Equipment Research Centre and several Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), to develop efficient cooking stoves that use ethanol. He noted that prototypes of these stoves are expected to be ready soon, which could revolutionize cooking fuel options in Indian households. Ravi urged the distillery sector to actively participate in this initiative by partnering with stove manufacturers. He pointed out that the current support for the oil industry primarily involves bulk supply, which needs to transition to a more household-focused model. The development of a reliable supply chain for ethanol delivery to homes is crucial for the success of this initiative.
Government Initiatives and Ethanol Blending
The push for ethanol as a cooking fuel aligns with India’s broader strategy to promote ethanol blending in transportation fuels. Currently, the country has implemented a 20% ethanol blending mandate in petrol, which has been facilitated by the distillery sector. Ravi referenced a recent government notification that will require the sale of E20 petrol, which has a minimum Research Octane Number of 95, starting April 1, 2026. This shift to higher-octane fuel is expected to enhance vehicle performance and efficiency while addressing concerns related to lower-octane blends. The integration of ethanol into cooking fuel could further diversify the demand for ethanol and strengthen energy security in India.
Future Prospects for Ethanol in Cooking
Ravi also highlighted the potential for the ethanol industry to expand its offerings beyond cooking fuel. He called for an acceleration in the production of isobutanol for diesel blending and the exploration of pathways to convert ethanol into sustainable aviation fuel. However, he stressed that the initiative to promote ethanol as a cooking fuel should take precedence. Research is already underway to assess the viability of ethanol stoves as a cleaner alternative to LPG, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where access to traditional cooking fuels may be limited.
Logistical Challenges and Industry Collaboration
Transitioning ethanol from bulk industrial supply to household distribution presents several logistical challenges. Ravi pointed out the need for new logistics models, appropriate packaging formats, and reliable last-mile delivery systems to ensure that ethanol can be effectively delivered to consumers. He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between the oil industry and distillers to make ethanol-based cooking a practical and accessible option for households across India. By expanding the use of ethanol in cooking, India can further its goals of reducing crude oil imports, conserving foreign exchange, and supporting local farmers while also addressing environmental concerns.
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