Can Ethanol Be Used for Cooking? Government Plans New Alternative to LPG
The Centre is preparing a policy framework to introduce ethanol as a cooking fuel alongside LPG. The proposal aims to utilise India's growing ethanol surplus and reduce LPG import dependence. Ethanol would require specially designed stoves and is expected to complement, not replace, LPG if the plan is approved.
After blending ethanol with petrol, the Centre is now exploring another major use for the biofuel, cooking fuel. According to a report by The Economic Times, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is preparing a policy framework to introduce ethanol as a mainstream cooking fuel alongside LPG.
The proposal is aimed at expanding the use of ethanol as India's production capacity continues to grow. If implemented, ethanol would not replace LPG immediately but could emerge as an alternative clean cooking fuel for households, restaurants and commercial kitchens. Nitin Gadkari Rejects Conflict of Interest Allegations Over Ethanol Policy, Calls Criticism ‘Politically Motivated’.
Why Is The Government Looking At Ethanol For Cooking?
The biggest reason is India's growing ethanol surplus. Over the past few years, the government has aggressively promoted ethanol blending in petrol to reduce crude oil imports and support farmers. According to the government, India has now achieved nationwide 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20), creating a robust domestic ethanol production ecosystem.
However, production capacity has continued to rise, and industry estimates suggest the country could soon produce more ethanol than what the transport sector alone can absorb. According to industry reports, policymakers are therefore exploring new demand avenues, including cooking fuel, The Economic Times reported. Does Ethanol Petrol Really Attract Ants? The Science Behind the Viral Sikkim Video.
How Would Ethanol Be Used In Kitchens?
The proposal does not involve filling existing LPG cylinders with ethanol. Instead, it envisages specially designed ethanol-compatible stoves and dedicated fuel containers.
In May, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari showcased an indigenous ethanol cooking stove, saying it can produce a clean blue flame similar to LPG while using ethanol as fuel.
Reports suggest the government is examining safety standards, storage requirements, distribution systems and technical norms before permitting commercial rollout.
Why Isn't LPG Being Replaced?
According to the proposal, ethanol is expected to complement LPG rather than replace it.
The government sees several potential advantages:
- Lower import dependence: India imports a significant share of its LPG requirements. Increased ethanol use could gradually reduce reliance on imported cooking fuel.
- Support for farmers: Ethanol produced from sugarcane, maize and other agricultural feedstocks could create an additional market for farm produce.
- Utilisation of surplus ethanol: Expanding ethanol beyond transport could diversify demand.
- Cleaner fuel: Ethanol burns with relatively lower particulate emissions than many conventional cooking fuels.
Will Consumers Need New Stoves?
Yes. Ethanol cannot be used in conventional LPG stoves because it has different combustion characteristics.
It requires specially designed burners and dedicated fuel storage systems. While manufacturers have already demonstrated such stoves, their commercial availability will depend on government approvals and compliance with safety standards.
Will Ethanol Cooking Be Cheaper?
That remains uncertain.
Some industry participants believe ethanol could lower cooking costs if supplied at competitive prices. However, the final cost will depend on government pricing policies, ethanol production costs, distribution expenses, taxes and the price of compatible stoves.
No official pricing framework has been announced.
Challenges Before Rollout
The proposal will require the development of a nationwide ethanol cooking fuel supply chain, along with new safety and quality standards.
Consumers would also need to purchase compatible stoves, while authorities would have to ensure stable ethanol supplies without affecting fuel blending targets or industrial demand.
The proposal also comes amid ongoing discussions about ethanol production, including concerns over water use in sugarcane cultivation and balancing food production with fuel requirements. The government has said diversification into grains and other feedstocks addresses some of these concerns.
According to The Economic Times, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is currently preparing the policy framework. No official rollout timeline has been announced.
If approved, ethanol could become a new addition to India's clean cooking fuel mix, expanding the country's biofuel strategy beyond transportation and into household and commercial kitchens.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2026 04:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
