Guwahati, Dec 28: Indian Oil’s Bongaigaon Refinery (BGR), situated in Dhaligaon, Chirang district, has officially launched E-20, a petrol blend containing 20% ethanol.
The launch event, held on December 25, was inaugurated by NK Barua, Executive Director & Refinery Head of BGR, in the presence of senior officials including JJ Das, CGM(Pj), and Mihir Singhal, CGM(TS&HSE), alongside other team members from the refinery and marketing departments.
This milestone is a critical step towards achieving the goals of the National Biofuels Policy, which targets the supply of 20% ethanol-blended petrol nationwide by 2025. The introduction of E-20 is expected to significantly reduce India’s dependency on imported crude oil, enhancing long-term energy security while addressing the country’s growing energy demands.
The E-20 initiative not only supports energy sustainability but also stimulates rural economic development. Ethanol production primarily relies on agricultural crops such as sugarcane, maize, and other feedstocks. Increased demand for ethanol offers enhanced income opportunities for farmers and boosts agricultural productivity, benefiting rural communities.
On the environmental front, using ethanol-blended petrol reduces the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon monoxide and other harmful hydrocarbons. This aligns with the government’s commitment to adopting cleaner energy solutions and making the transportation sector more eco-friendly.’
Under the Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are tasked with selling ethanol-blended petrol nationwide. The government’s target of achieving 20% ethanol blending by 2025 underscores its vision for sustainable energy solutions.
Bongaigaon Refinery has consistently spearheaded ethanol blending efforts in the region, achieving several milestones in alignment with the National Biofuels Policy.
Earlier, the refinery launched its first ethanol-blended petrol, dispatched via Tank Truck Lorry (TTL) on August 13, 2021; E-10 (10% ethanol blend) on January 19, 2022; first dispatch of ethanol-blended petrol via railway rakes on February 17, 2022; industry-first unloading of a full rake of ethanol on April 14, 2022; E-12 (12% ethanol blend) on February 16, 2023; and E-15 (15% ethanol blend) on May 6, 2024.
The launch of E-20 reinforces the Union Government’s focus on reducing emissions and advancing green transportation initiatives. With this, BGR continues to play a pivotal role in India’s journey towards energy independence, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
