After fle fuel vehicles, government is considering isobutanol-blended diesel

Key points

• With fle fuel vehicles capable of running on high-ethanol blends beginning to enter the Indian market, the government is now evaluating another biofuel pathway for conventional diesel engines.
• Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has revealed that the Centre is considering permitting up to 15 percent isobutanol blending in diesel, signalling the next phase of India's effort to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• India's alternative-fuel roadmap could soon expand beyond ethanol-powered vehicles.
• Speaking at the unveiling of Maruti Suzuki's Wagon R Flex Fuel, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said the government is examining the possibility of allowing diesel to be blended with up to 15 percent isobutanol.
• The proposal forms part of a broader strategy aimed at diversifying India's fuel mix and reducing reliance on crude oil imports.