UPSC Notes

Ethanol Blending Program (EBP)

PYQs

4

Articles

1

Momentum

13

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Addresses critical issues like energy security, environmental sustainability, agricultural diversification, and economic implications for the sugar industry and farmers. It's a multi-faceted policy with significant impact.

The Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) is a strategic initiative by the Indian government to blend ethanol with petrol, aiming to reduce crude oil imports, enhance energy security, reduce vehicular emissions, and provide an additional source of income for farmers. It is a key component of India's National Biofuel Policy.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Blending Target

Target of 20% ethanol blending (E20) by 2025.

Feedstocks

Primarily produced from sugarcane molasses, but also from damaged food grains and surplus rice.

Nodal Ministry

Administered by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

Benefits

Reduced import bill, lower pollution, and farmer income diversification.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Economy
Conceptual areaRenewable & Clean Energy
Conceptual areaAgricultural Policies & Supply Chains

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural GasAdministers ebp
Ministry of Food, Consumer Affairs and Public DistributionRegulates sugar/molasses diversion
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Quick revision

  • Target E20 by 2025 to cut oil imports.
  • Uses sugarcane molasses, damaged grains, surplus rice.
  • Reduces pollution and provides farmer income.
  • Part of National Biofuel Policy.
  • Balances food vs. fuel debate.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Indian EconomyRenewable & Clean EnergyAgricultural Policies & Supply Chains

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 4 linked questions on Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Ethanol Blending Program (EBP)

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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