After grain-based ethanol makers, the sugar industry has now asked the government to increase ethanol blending with petrol to 27% (E27) under a roadmap after achieving 20% (E20) blending so that excess capacities in manufacturing of bio-fuels could be utilised.

“With over Rs 40,000 crore invested and a production capacity exceeding 9000 million litres annually from sugarcane, we are ready to support blending beyond E20, up to E27 and higher,” Deepak Ballani, director general, Indian Sugar and Bioenergy Manufacturers Association (Isma) told FE.

He said a clear, time-bound national ethanol mobility roadmap is vital to sustain this progress, ensure better utilisation of capacity, and secure higher, stable incomes for millions of sugarcane farmers.

With the ethanol industry offering 17,76

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