Which new fuel based stove is the government preparing to launch in the market as an alternative to commercial LPG cylinders? After the recent price hike, what is the price of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi and Kolkata? By how much percent is India’s dependence on crude oil expected to be reduced by the use of ethanol in the commercial sector?
Ethanol Fuel Stove: Ethanol-powered stoves may soon enter the market as an alternative to expensive gas cylinders for commercial use. This new step of the government can provide great relief to those hotel owners and other businessmen who are troubled by the skyrocketing prices of commercial LPG. Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association has informed that the work of making ethanol cook stove is going on and a proposal related to it has been submitted to the government.
Rising prices and crisis of LPG
The impact of problems in the supply of crude oil after the Iran war is visible on the prices of commercial LPG cylinders. After the latest increase, commercial LPG cylinder has become costlier by Rs 42 in Delhi and by Rs 53.50 in Kolkata. With this increase, the price of 19 kg commercial cylinder has become Rs 3113.50 in Delhi and Rs 3255.50 in Kolkata.
This increase in the prices of commercial cylinders has increased the expenses of restaurants significantly. Due to this, in many places either the prices of food have increased or the quantity of food has been reduced. Unable to bear this additional burden, small hotels are on the verge of closure, due to which the jobs of many people are also in danger. The National Restaurant Association of India has also expressed concern that their services may be affected due to disruption in LPG supply.
oil imports will decrease
By using ethanol instead of LPG for commercial purposes, the country’s dependence on crude oil can be reduced by about 15 percent. This will result in huge savings in the cost of oil import. It is expected that in future, ethanol will play an important role in dealing with challenges like energy crisis and rising crude oil prices.
isobutanol in diesel
Apart from introducing ethanol stoves for commercial use, the government is also working on the process of blending ethanol in diesel. In another move to reduce crude oil imports, India may soon make it mandatory to add isobutanol to diesel. For this, the government is also setting up a pilot plant.