NEW DELHI šC India is seeing a push ?to further increase the amount of ethanol in gasoline as oil prices surge due to the conflict in the Middle East, even as the ambitious national biofuel program may hold back efforts to cut pollutants.
Ethanol, made from crops such as sugarcane, rice and maize, is central to India's plan to cut costly oil imports and reduce planet-heating emissions from transport. Under the government program, state-run oil companies mix 20% ethanol with each liter of gasoline before it reaches fuel pumps.
India reached its target of 20% ethanol fuel, known as E20, last ?year, five years ahead of schedule, despite a backlash from drivers complaining of reduced fuel efficiency and increased engine wear.
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