The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the Karnataka High Court’s directive on ethanol allocation for the Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26. This decision came during a hearing of a petition by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) challenging the High Court’s ruling. The apex court has instructed to maintain the existing allocation process until the next hearing.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani, representing BPCL, raised concerns that revisiting ethanol allocation could disrupt the ethanol blending policy and ongoing procurement. He emphasized that altering allocation methodology would interfere with government policy. The Centre has highlighted that the E20 fuel program aims to enhance energy security, support farmers, and reduce carbon emissions.
The legal dispute arose from a Karnataka High Court judgment directing oil marketing companies to reconsider ethanol allocation requests. The High Court emphasized the importance of dedicated ethanol plants in promoting energy security and environmental sustainability. BPCL has warned that revisiting allocations post-tender could impact the nationwide ethanol blending program and existing suppliers.
