India's Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme: No Food Security Compromise

The Indian government has clarified its stance on the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, assuring that it does not compromise the country's food security.

The programme aims to strengthen India's energy security by reducing dependence on imported crude oil and providing better returns to farmers.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that food security obligations are always given top priority, with every grain procured under the Minimum Support Price system allocated for public distribution, welfare schemes, and buffer stocks first.

Only surplus stocks, certified by the Department of Food and Public Distribution after meeting all food security requirements, are approved for ethanol production.