Ethanol kept petrol prices lower: Govt

The Centre has strongly defended the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, dismissing recent allegations over foodgrain diversion and subsidies as "misleading" and asserting that ethanol blending protected Indian consumers from a sharp spike in fuel prices during the Iran conflict.

In a detailed clarification, the government on Friday said the programme is aimed at strengthening India's energy security, reducing dependence on imported crude oil and supporting farmers, while ensuring that food security remains uncompromised, according to the statement.

Highlighting the programme's economic benefits, the government said ethanol blending insulated Indian consumers from global crude oil volatility during the recent Iran conflict.