📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / President's Secretariat
Agriculture
Himachal Minister Says No New Ethanol Plants Will Be Approved
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 28 Aug 2026, 10:35 AM
👁 1
The Himachal Pradesh minister told the state assembly that no additional ethanol production units will be set up, citing policy considerations.
The minister of Himachal Pradesh addressed the state legislative assembly on Wednesday, confirming that the government will not sanction any new ethanol production facilities in the near future. He emphasized that the decision aligns with the state's current energy and agricultural policies, which prioritize existing projects and sustainable expansion.
According to the minister, the focus will remain on optimizing the performance of existing ethanol plants rather than launching fresh units. He noted that the present capacity is sufficient to meet the state's blending targets for ethanol in gasoline, and that further expansion could strain raw material supplies, particularly sugarcane.
Stakeholders from the sugar and agro‑industry were present during the session, and while they expressed disappointment, they were urged to cooperate with the government to improve efficiency and output of the current plants.
The announcement comes amid a broader national push to increase ethanol blending, but Himachal officials indicated that the state will adhere to a measured approach, balancing agricultural priorities with energy goals.
According to the minister, the focus will remain on optimizing the performance of existing ethanol plants rather than launching fresh units. He noted that the present capacity is sufficient to meet the state's blending targets for ethanol in gasoline, and that further expansion could strain raw material supplies, particularly sugarcane.
Stakeholders from the sugar and agro‑industry were present during the session, and while they expressed disappointment, they were urged to cooperate with the government to improve efficiency and output of the current plants.
The announcement comes amid a broader national push to increase ethanol blending, but Himachal officials indicated that the state will adhere to a measured approach, balancing agricultural priorities with energy goals.