Hyderabad: Ethanol may replace LPG for cooking
HYDERABAD: Ethanol, which is currently known mainly as a blending fuel for petrol, may soon find its way into Indian kitchens as an alternative cooking fuel. The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is preparing a dedicated policy, expected by September, to enable the use of ethanol for cooking.
Under the proposed policy, oil marketing companies will set up special “ethanol ATMs” at fuel stations. Consumers will be able to buy ethanol and fill specially designed fuel containers, known as canisters, directly from these dispensing units. The move is expected to make cooking fuel available on demand without waiting for LPG cylinder deliveries.
The specially designed canisters will be made of metal or thick plastic with sealed lids to prevent leakage and air exposure. They will be connected directly to newly designed ethanol stoves for cooking.
Cost advantage depends on pricing policy
Industry representatives say ethanol could reduce cooking fuel costs. However, its affordability for households will depend on the pricing model, distribution costs and any government subsidy. The government has not yet announced an official pricing mechanism.
The Centre has clarified that ethanol is not intended to replace LPG completely. Instead, it will serve as a supplementary cooking fuel. The first phase of implementation will focus on commercial kitchens, restaurants, street food vendors and households willing to adopt the new technology.
New stove will be mandatory
Consumers will have to purchase a dedicated ethanol stove because existing LPG stoves cannot run on ethanol. Since ethanol burns differently from LPG, it requires specially designed burners and a separate fuel storage system.
The additional cost of buying a new stove could become a burden for consumers. The government is therefore considering financial assistance or continued support for purchasing ethanol stoves.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently demonstrated an indigenous ethanol stove and said it produces a clean blue flame comparable to that of conventional LPG stoves.
Why the government is promoting ethanol
The government’s decision is driven by a sharp increase in domestic ethanol production.
India currently has an annual ethanol production capacity of nearly 2,000 crore litres. Another 400 crore litres of capacity is expected to be added during the current financial year.
About 1,100 crore litres are required for 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol, while around 350 crore litres are consumed by the liquor, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The remaining surplus has prompted the government to explore ethanol as a cooking fuel.
Earlier, ethanol was produced mainly from sugarcane. It is now increasingly manufactured using maize, broken rice, surplus rice and damaged rice. This has created an additional market for farmers and improved income opportunities.
Ethanol also emits less carbon than conventional cooking fuels, making it a cleaner alternative.
Reducing dependence on LPG imports
India imports a substantial portion of its LPG requirement, with much of the supply coming from Gulf countries.
Supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in West Asia have highlighted the risks of depending on imports transported through the Strait of Hormuz. The government believes expanding the domestic use of ethanol could strengthen India’s energy security by reducing reliance on imported LPG.
Challenges remain
Despite its advantages, the proposed shift faces several challenges.
Experts have raised concerns that increased use of sugarcane and food grains such as maize and rice for ethanol production could affect food crop availability. Sugarcane cultivation also requires large quantities of water.
In addition, a nationwide supply chain for ethanol distribution and dedicated cooking infrastructure will have to be developed before the fuel can be adopted on a large scale.
