IFGE Says Sugarcane Ethanol Can Cut LPG Dependence

Highlighting the growing role of sugarcane in the energy sector, the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) has urged policymakers to promote ethanol made from sugarcane as an alternative cooking fuel, saying it can help reduce India’s reliance on imported LPG amid ongoing supply concerns, PTI reported.

In a statement, the federation said ethanol, produced from sugarcane, can support the use of LPG by offering a reliable and locally available cooking fuel. It added that wider use of ethanol could help utilise surplus production in the country while easing pressure on imported

Highlighting practical solutions, IFGE pointed to ethanol-based cookstoves developed by KOKO Networks, saying such systems could play a key role in reducing reliance on LPG. These stoves, already in use in countries like Kenya, operate through a network that includes modern cookstoves, reusable fuel containers and dispensing units.

The federation said increased ethanol use would also benefit farmers by creating stronger demand for agricultural produce and supporting rural incomes.

Beyond cooking fuel, IFGE called for wider policy support for ethanol use, including blending it with diesel, increasing its share in petrol to 27 per cent, and promoting flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), PTI stated.

It also urged the government to lower taxes on cleaner technologies, stating that FFVs should not face higher tax rates than conventional petrol vehicles. The body recommended bringing FFVs under lower GST slabs to encourage adoption.

Additionally, IFGE sought a reduction in GST on ethanol used at fuel stations to 5 per cent from the current 18 per cent, to make it more accessible for consumers.