ETHANOL MAIZE DEMAND
India may reimpose broken rice export restrictions as prices cross $360 per tonne: IREF
India may reimpose restrictions on exports of 100% broken rice as international prices cross $360 per tonne and domestic demand from ethanol manufacturers and poultry-feed producers increases, the Indian Rice Exporters' Federation (IREF) has warned. No fresh curbs have been announced so far.
Karnataka MSP row: Factory owners, unions to meet as sugarcane farmers turn up heat
Karnataka's factory owners association and unions are set to meet regarding the Minimum Support Price increase. State Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated that discussions will occur under the Deputy Commissioner's leadership. Farmers have also raised demands for higher sugar prices amid ongoing protests in Mandya. The concerns involve sugarcane pricing disputes affecting both farmers and mills in Karnataka.
Fuel, forex and farmers: Why India is betting big on maize
A grain that once fed chickens now fuels cars and, soon, planes. The harder question is whether Indian farms can keep up with the demand it has created.
Govt should hike maize-based ethanol procurement rate by 9% to Rs 75 per litre: AIDA
The All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) has approached the government with a request to elevate the maize-based ethanol procurement price to Rs 75 per litre. As maize prices continue to climb, AIDA expressed fears regarding the viability of grain-based distilleries and noted that current ethanol production plants are underutilized, which adversely affects profit margins.
Sugar stocks: Short-term pain is real; has the long-term case broken? 7 stocks from the sugar-ethanol ecosystem
Though this year's ethanol tender leaves sugar out, the long-term blending roadmap still points to rising ethanol use. The move is aimed at a short-term sugar-supply problem, not at ethanol itself. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardized scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
India’s drought-hit maize crunch pits poultry, ethanol makers in ‘me first’ fight
Drought conditions have caused a significant decrease in maize supply, leading to competition among industries for access. Poultry producers, starch manufacturers, and ethanol plants are all vying for limited maize resources, exacerbating the situation. As maize prices continue to rise, the poultry industry has expressed concerns about potential feed shortages. Industry bodies have urged the government to prioritize maize for food production over fuel use.
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Farmers face 15% loss as poultry feed costs surge
Poultry farmers are currently experiencing losses of approximately 15% due to rising livestock feed costs. Key ingredients have seen price increases of up to 75%, affecting farmers' ability to cope. Dairy producers, particularly in drought-affected regions, struggle to source necessary fodder for their livestock. Feed manufacturers are also feeling the impact as higher prices reduce demand for their products.
Beyond the 7% headline: S&P maps the forces driving India’s next growth phase
India’s economy is set to grow 7% in FY27, according to S&P Global, which sees domestic demand, private investment, manufacturing, trade, energy security, renewable power, digital infrastructure and technology shaping India’s next phase of economic growth.
Smart rice policy would be nice
In the 2026-27 cycle, India's rice production is projected to fall by 6.5% compared to the previous year, largely due to monsoon rainfall being 15% below the seasonal average. This shortfall poses significant challenges for farmers, likely leading to financial hardship as both yields and cultivated areas decline. However, with high existing stockpiles, domestic markets may not face critical shortages.
Government should adopt flexible approach to ethanol-blended petrol programme: ICRIER paper
A research paper recommends flexibility in India's ethanol blending program targets. It suggests maintaining E20 as a long-term goal while allowing temporary E15 reductions. This approach would respond to agricultural shocks and manage economic costs effectively. The paper advocates for a flexible feedstock strategy to avoid food market pressure.
India’s farm policy needs a reset amid concerns over ethanol push, subsidies: Agri expert Devinder Sharma
Sharma warns that ethanol-led changes in cropping patterns may create an environmental problem over the longer term.
Low inventories, El Nino to keep sugar market tight through FY27: DAM Capital
The Indian sugar sector is likely to remain in a tight-supply situation through FY27 and possibly beyond, with low inventories, weather risks and firm global prices expected to keep domestic sugar prices elevated, according to a research report by DAM Capital Advisors.
Sunny side down? Egg prices rise on ethanol push
Rising diversion of maize to ethanol production has significantly increased poultry feed costs, leading to a 35-40% surge in egg prices over the past year. Maize prices have nearly doubled in three years, impacting the poultry industry which relies on it for 65-70% of its production costs. Experts anticipate further price increases as winter demand rises and maize diversion for ethanol is projected to grow.
Ethanol is not the whole story behind India’s sugar price surge
Sugar prices have significantly increased due to production shortfalls and rising demand. Government data shows a substantial decline in expected sugar production for the season. International market trends and domestic supply issues also contribute to the current price situation. Ethanol diversion is a factor, but not the sole cause of the sugar price surge. Policymakers are addressing broader supply and inventory concerns with import decisions.
Congress demands review of E20 move, says 'anti-people' fuel policy unacceptable to country
Congress criticizes the Modi government's E20 fuel policy for increasing inflation. The policy allegedly causes higher prices for essential food items like sugar and rice. Vehicle owners face reduced mileage and potential damage from the ethanol blend. The party demands an urgent review and non-ethanol fuel options for the public.
India’s ethanol supplies top 800 crore litres as grain-based share rises to 76%: AIDA
A total of 93 crore litres of ethanol was supplied during July, taking cumulative supplies beyond the 800-crore-litre milestone.
Ethanol-blended fuel's use can impact environment, land-use patterns: Experts
The experts also highlighted that going forward, the government should decrease ethanol-blended fuel prices to compensate consumers for a drop in efficiency and expenditures incurred due to wear and tear of vehicle components.
Farmers in flood-prone Kosi in Bihar see a pot of gold in E20
Maize cultivation has significantly boosted incomes in Bihar's Kosi plains. Farmers are now earning double their previous earnings from this crop. The ethanol industry and poultry feed demand are major drivers. This agricultural shift has spurred rural economic growth and development. Farmers now seek government support for assured procurement at MSP.
Government to consider farmers' views on ethanol policy: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met farmers regarding the ethanol blending petrol policy. The government aims for farmers to receive the largest share of ethanol program benefits. Discussions focused on ensuring fair prices and demand for various crop feedstocks. Farmers expressed support for the ethanol program and clarified misconceptions about its impact. Both sides agreed to collaborate on strengthening the policy-making process for farmers' interests.
Biofuel push fuels kitchen heat: Wheat prices rise as maize diverted to ethanol
India's biofuel push, particularly E20 fuel, is impacting food prices. Wheat and its products have seen a 10% price increase due to maize diversion for ethanol production. The cheaper maize-based animal feed by-product is suppressing wheat bran prices, forcing millers to raise prices of staples like atta, maida and suji.
India's biofuel drive pecks at chicken farmer profits
India's ambitious biofuel program, aimed at reducing oil imports, is inadvertently impacting small poultry farmers. The rising demand for maize in ethanol production has led to soaring feed prices, squeezing the margins of farmers like Satyadev Prajapati, who are struggling to maintain egg production.
Maize diversion for ethanol raises poultry feed, edible oil prices, sparking concerns for sugar industry, soybean farmers
Maize, diverted for ethanol production, has caused poultry feed costs to go up, impacted cooking oil prices, and reduced oilseed farmers' profits. The ethanol program has led to consequences like increased maize imports and declining revenues for sugar industry, highlighting the complex trade-offs of biofuel policies.
Bihar seeks investment in maize sector amid ethanol boom
Bihar Agriculture Minister Mangal Pandey has urged private sector investment in hybrid maize seed production and warehouse facilities. The state aims to cultivate maize on 10 lakh hectares this year, driven by high market prices and ethanol demand. Bihar's ethanol production capacity is set to increase, requiring more maize.
Poultry industry demands maize imports at zero duty under OGL
India's poultry industry faces challenges with record-high maize prices due to ethanol production. Industry seeks zero duty imports and concessional rice supply. Import through state agencies delays and costly. Maize shortage impacting market. Poultry companies experiencing difficulty meeting demand.
Caught in a maize: In India’s ethanol blending ambitions, eggs are an unlikely casualty
The government wants to use maize to cut its fuel import bill. While this has strategic advantages, it puts a question over egg production — a source of nutrition for many Indians.
Maize prices surge 20% in India as government promotes ethanol production
Maize prices in India have surged by 20% in the first two weeks of January compared to October due to increased demand after the government's plans to procure the commodity for ethanol production. This move comes as restrictions are placed on using sugar for biofuel production. The prices are expected to stay firm in the coming months, and there could even be a shortage of the commodity.
Poultry sector to seek reduction in import duty on maize & soyabean
Broken rice and maize are the main components of poultry feed. The industry fears that the prices of maize and broken rice would spike in the coming months as the diversion of these two raw materials for ethanol is expected to increase after the ban on use of sugarcane juice for ethanol.
Government exploring solutions to address problem of grain supplies for ethanol making
On industry body ISMA's demand for a hike in ethanol price to Rs 69.85 per litre, Chopra said a committee is deliberating this issue.
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