★ The All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) has urged the central government to create a supportive policy and regulatory framework to promote the use of ethanol as a cooking fuel in India. The association has specifically recommended encouraging ethanol-based cooking in commercial, semi-urban, and rural segments.

★ In its letter, AIDA said recent geopolitical disruptions have put pressure on LPG supplies. As household consumers are being prioritised, commercial users are facing shortages, highlighting India’s overdependence on imported LPG as a clean cooking fuel.

★ According to AIDA, ethanol-based cooking fuel can serve as an effective alternative to LPG while also helping absorb surplus ethanol production in the country. Ethanol is suitable for both household and small commercial cooking applications. Although its calorific value is lower than LPG, this gap can be addressed through advanced stove designs, improved burners, and efficient fuel delivery systems.

★ The government is also planning to promote ethanol cookstoves in villages and nearby areas surrounding ethanol distilleries, making clean and alternative cooking fuel more accessible at the local level.