The Indian government is expected to introduce a mandate allowing the blending of isobutanol with diesel by the end of this year, according to V Umashankar, secretary of the ministry of roads, transport and highways (MoRTH).
The move aims to bolster energy security in the country while decarbonising the roads and highways sector.
Isobutanol, a biofuel often used as a solvent in various industries, can be manufactured from plants and is similar to ethanol.
Since diesel consumption is twice that of petrol in the country, blending in diesel will have a greater impact on energy security and foreign imports compared to petrol mandates.
The ministry may also release a draft notification on truck-trailers interchangeability, which is expected to build an ecosystem for battery-swapping and battery charging for electric heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
