UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

For the 2026-27 ethanol procurement cycle, the newspaper reported that State-run oil marketing companies would bar ethanol made from which feedstocks?

  1. Sugar-cane juice, sugar syrup and B-heavy molasses
  2. Maize, broken rice and surplus rice procured by the FCI
  3. Only C-heavy molasses
  4. All grain-based ethanol without exception

Answer

Correct Answer

Sugar-cane juice, sugar syrup and B-heavy molasses

Explanation

Option A is correct: the tender sought to reduce sugar diversion for ethanol to zero for 2026-27. Option B lists feedstocks the tender still allowed for bids, so it is wrong. Option C is wrong because the restriction did not cover C-heavy molasses in the same way. Option D is wrong because grain-based supplies were retained.

Topics: biofuels, economy, energy policy, ethanol feedstock and sugar security