Government lifts cap on sugar diversion for ethanol production starting in November 2024

Starting November 1, 2024, the Union government will lift the cap on sugar diversion for ethanol production, allowing the use of cane juice, syrup, and various molasses types. Additionally, distilleries can now purchase up to 2.3 million metric tons of rice from the Food Corporation of India for ethanol. This policy aims to boost renewable energy while maintaining stable sugar availability. The Department of Food and Public Distribution and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas will oversee the impact on sugar supplies.