Ethanol Cooking Stove Cuts Costs, Boosts Energy Security

In a move that could reshape household cooking economics, Nitin Gadkari unveiled an ethanol-powered stove that promises cheaper meals than traditional LPG. The technology, developed entirely in India, blends a small quantity of ethanol with water to create a steady cooking flame, sidestepping the price volatility associated with imported petroleum products. Gadkari pointed out that ethanol’s expanding role—from transport fuel to kitchen stoves—aligns with India’s push to cut crude-oil imports, which currently stand near 87 percent of total requirement. The same ethanol that now powers vehicles at 20 percent blends can also serve rural and urban kitchens, providing a stable, home-grown energy option. Early estimates suggest substantial monthly savings for families once the stoves reach commercial scale. The minister stressed that successful adoption will require robust supply chains and quality standards, yet the potential payoff is large: lower household energy bills, reduced carbon footprints, and new revenue streams for farmers growing ethanol feedstock. Complementing the launch, Gadkari announced a ₹40-crore programme to spark scientific interest among students, ensuring the next generation contributes to similar sustainable innovations. If rolled out nationwide, analysts say the ethanol stove could ease pressure on LPG subsidies while reinforcing India’s energy-independence narrative.