India eases biofuel export rules

The government announced that if the biofuel is produced using imported feedstock, exports of biofuel from special economic zones (SEZ) and export-oriented units are permitted for both fuel and non-fuel purposes without any restrictions.

Within days of placing limitations on their imports, the government on August 28, 2018, had restricted the export of biofuels as well in a bid to increase the domestic capacity. Biofuel imports and exports both call for a licence. Ethyl alcohol, petroleum oil, oils derived from bituminous materials, bio-diesel, and mixes are examples of biofuels.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended that notification of 2018 “to the extent that export of biofuel from special economic zones/export-oriented units, are allowed for fuel as well as non-fuel purpose without any restriction when produced using only imported feed stock”.

Special economic zones and export-oriented units are meant specifically for export purposes.

India has an ambitious biofuel roadmap under its national biofuel policy. By 2025-26, the centre aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol. The initial target to achieve 20% blending was 2030. The target of petrol supplies with 10% ethanol blending was achieved in June last year, before the original schedule of November 2022.