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In a transformative policy move, the Indian government has announced the removal of all quantitative restrictions on ethanol production derived from sugarcane juice syrup and various types of molasses for the 2025-26 ethanol supply year, effective November 1. This decision underscores a strategic shift aimed at invigorating sugar mills, bolstering renewable energy production, and advancing the nation’s biofuel blending ambitions.

The previous limitations on ethanol output were largely a response to diminished sugarcane availability during the current marketing year. However, favorable rainfall over the past two monsoon seasons has revitalized sugarcane cultivation, spurring optimism for greater supplies in the upcoming season.

A sugar mill operator from Maharashtra, India's leading sugar-producing state, welcomed this development but suggested that the government should also contemplate increasing the ethanol procurement price. This adjustment would enable mills to compensate farmers at the fixed cane price established by the government.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has clarified that, despite the newfound freedom in production, there will be regular assessments of sugar diversion to ethanol. This is crucial to ensure that there is sufficient domestic sugar availability throughout the year. In anticipation of growing demand, several prominent sugar producers—such as EID Parry, Balrampur Chini Mills, Shree Renuka Sugars, Bajaj Hindusthan, and Dwarikesh Sugar—have been expanding their ethanol production capacities in recent years.

As the world’s second-largest sugar producer and the third-largest importer and consumer of petroleum products, India is positioning itself to blend 20% ethanol into gasoline by 2025-26. This ambitious goal is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on crude oil and foster cleaner energy initiatives, reflecting the country's commitment to sustainable development in the energy sector.