Ethanol Cooking Initiative Aims to Boost Energy Security

India’s ethanol capacity now exceeds 20 billion litres a year, with additional units coming online this fiscal year. After meeting the needs of petrol blending, the liquor industry, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, a significant surplus remains. By redirecting this excess to kitchens, the country could lower its LPG import bill and reduce exposure to geopolitical supply shocks. Analysts predict that a shift toward ethanol, electric cooking and biogas could save the government over ₹2 lakh crore in LPG subsidies by 2050.