BPCL issues tender for 11 billion litres of ethanol, lowers maize-based prices
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· MSP, procurement, PDS & food security· Prelims·
Ethanol blending vs food security: a GS3 case study on agri-economics and energy security.
Why in news
BPCL issued a tender for 11 billion litres of ethanol for the 2026-27 supply year while lowering maize-based ethanol prices and barring sugar-based feedstocks.
Background
BPCL issued the tender on October 16 for the supply year November 2026 to October 2027. The government directed zero sugar diversion for ethanol to protect domestic supplies. The procurement price for maize-based ethanol was reduced from Rs 71.86 to Rs 68.86 per litre.
Facts for Prelims
- FactBPCL tender quantity: 11 billion litres of ethanol for the 2026-27 supply year
- FactMaize-based ethanol price reduction: From Rs 71.86 to Rs 68.86 per litre
- FactIncentive reduction for maize-based ethanol: From Rs 5.79 to Rs 2.79 per litre
- FactProhibited feedstocks: Sugarcane juice, sugar syrup, and B-heavy molasses
- FactPermitted feedstocks: Maize, broken rice, surplus rice (FCI), and C-heavy molasses
Prelims practice question
With reference to the BPCL ethanol tender and feedstock guidelines, consider the following statements:
- The tender issued by BPCL is for 11 billion litres of ethanol for the 2026-27 supply year.
- The procurement price for maize-based ethanol was increased to Rs 75.00 per litre.
- Sugarcane juice and sugar syrup are prohibited as feedstocks to protect domestic supplies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 3 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The price was reduced from Rs 71.86 to Rs 68.86 per litre.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the trade-offs between achieving ethanol blending targets and ensuring food security in the context of India's agrarian economy.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Food vs Fuel conflict: Competition between ethanol feedstock diversion and domestic sugar/grain availability
- Fiscal policy impact: Reduction in maize-based incentives affecting producer returns and grain-based ethanol viability
- Supply chain shift: Transition toward broken rice and surplus rice to mitigate rainfall-induced sugar shortages
Keywords: Ethanol Blending Programme · Feedstock Diversion · Food Security · Energy Security · Price Intervention · Agri-Economics
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