India: Biofuels Annual
Domestic ethanol production will decline by eight percent in calendar year (CY) 2017 (out-year) to 1.9 billion liters. The decline in ethanol production stems from the second consecutive year of decreased sugarcane acres. Fuel ethanol will achieve a two-percent national-level blending rate, a slight increase over 1.9 percent this year. Although biodiesel’s market penetration remains minimal, B-5 (five-percent biodiesel) will be commercial available from a few government-owned retail outlets. Private manufacturers can sell biodiesel directly, provided they meet prescribed official standards.