Ethanol-based stove cheaper than LPG, says Nitin Gadkari
New Delhi, May 25
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has unveiled an indigenous ethanol-based cooking stove technology that he said can produce cooking flames at a lower cost than commercial LPG cylinders, while also announcing a Rs 40-crore initiative to promote scientific temperament among young Indians.
Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Gadkari said the new technology uses a blend of ethanol and water to generate flames suitable for cooking purposes.
"By mixing 7 per cent ethanol in water, stove-like flames are generated, and it is cheaper than cooking gas. It is indigenous to our country," the minister said.
The announcement aligns with Gadkari's long-standing advocacy for ethanol as a sustainable and cost-effective substitute for fossil fuels.
Over the years, he has consistently promoted the use of ethanol across multiple sectors, including transportation and energy, arguing that it can help reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil while supporting domestic agriculture and clean energy goals.
India currently imports nearly 87 per cent of its crude oil requirements, making energy security a key policy priority.
The government has aggressively expanded ethanol blending in petrol, with blending levels rising from 1.53 per cent in 2014 to 20 per cent in 2025.
Gadkari has been among the strongest proponents of the ethanol-blending programme, describing it as an environmentally friendly and economically beneficial solution for the country.
The proposed ethanol-water stove technology extends this vision to the domestic cooking sector, where millions of households continue to rely on LPG cylinders.
If successfully scaled and commercialised, the innovation could provide a cheaper, locally developed alternative to conventional cooking gas while further strengthening India's clean-energy ecosystem.
Alongside the energy initiative, Gadkari announced a Rs 40-crore project aimed at nurturing scientific curiosity and innovation among children and young people.
"As technology is evolving, we are also working on a project worth Rs 40 crore to ignite the love for science in the youth and children," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a homemaker, I welcome any alternative to LPG. The price of cylinders has been rising and it’s a burden on middle-class families. But will ethanol be available easily in local shops? And won't it compete with food crops? These are valid concerns. The Rs 40-crore science project for youth is also a great move—our children need more practical science exposure, not just textbook rote learning.
Gadkari ji has been relentless in pushing ethanol—from cars to bikes, and now stoves. That’s good, but let’s also talk about water scarcity. Mixing 7% ethanol in water for stoves might sound simple, but where will the water come from in drought-prone areas? And the ethanol itself needs sugarcane, which consumes huge amounts of water. The idea is noble, but implementation needs a holistic view.
Finally, some practical innovation from the government! If this stove works, it can save crores of rupees in LPG subsidies. Plus, it’s indigenous—so no import dependence. But I’m skeptical about the “7% ethanol in water” claim—will it really produce enough flame for Indian cooking like roti or tadka? We need demos and pilot projects in villages first.
The Rs 40-crore science initiative is the real highlight here. We need to nurture young minds now for a self-reliant India. But honestly, I’m tired of big announcements with little follow-through. Let’s hope this ethanol stove doesn’t end up like other “indigenous” projects that fizzle out. Show us working models in villages, not just press conferences!
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