Kejriwal Claims Centre Planning Ethanol Blending in ATF, Diesel; Government Says 'No Such Proposal'

New Delhi: A political row erupted on Wednesday after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal claimed that the Central government was planning to introduce ethanol blending in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and diesel following the rollout of ethanol-blended petrol.

Kejriwal alleged that the move could have significant implications for consumers and the transport sector. He questioned the government's intentions and sought clarity on whether such a proposal was being considered.

Responding to the allegations, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas rejected the claim, stating that there is "no such proposal" to blend ethanol with either aviation turbine fuel or diesel.

Government sources clarified that India's ethanol blending programme is currently focused on petrol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, which aims to reduce crude oil imports, lower carbon emissions and support domestic sugarcane farmers. They emphasised that no policy decision has been taken to extend ethanol blending to ATF or diesel.

The Centre reiterated that any major change in fuel policy would be announced only after due consultation with stakeholders, technical experts and regulatory authorities.

India has significantly expanded its ethanol blending programme over the past few years, achieving record blending levels in petrol as part of its clean energy and energy security initiatives. The government has consistently highlighted the programme as a step towards reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy.

The exchange between Kejriwal and the Centre has added a political dimension to the debate over fuel policy, with the AAP seeking further clarification while the government has firmly dismissed the allegation as baseless.

With the government denying that any such proposal exists, there is currently no official plan to introduce ethanol blending in aviation turbine fuel or diesel.