India to allow up to 15% isobutanol in diesel, says Gadkari

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that India will permit blending up to 15% isobutanol with diesel. The policy aims to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels, enhance energy security and promote cleaner transportation. Because ethanol cannot be mixed directly with diesel, the government is converting ethanol into isobutanol, which is compatible with diesel engines and has higher energy density.

Pilot demonstrations have run generator sets on 100% ethanol and isobutanol, showing that engines can operate on the blend. The move follows the earlier E20 ethanol‑petrol programme, which met its 20% blending target ahead of schedule and generated significant foreign‑exchange savings while reducing crude‑oil imports.