India to Resolve Alcohol Issue between Oil Companies and Liquor Industry

In India, the battle for alcohol between the liquor industry and oil companies is likely to end as the government plans to allow petrol blending with ethanol from non-edible plants. Currently, ethanol from sugarcane is sole source for blending, causing issues with alcohol and chemicals manufacturing.

The oil ministry has now proposed to allow blending petrol with ethanol produced from switchgrass, paper pulp, sawdust, municipal waste and non-edible parts of plants. This would help in reducing India's dependence on energy imports as well as keeping cities and villages clean while avoiding issues with liquor and chemical industry.