The Indian government has imposed a 50% export duty on molasses, a key ingredient in ethanol production, to ensure enough supply to achieve its ambitious ethanol blending target. 

• This move comes amidst concerns about lower sugar production due to a weak monsoon and the need to prioritize domestic consumption of sugar.  
• The new duty discourages molasses exports while encouraging its use in ethanol production, helping to meet the 20% blending target.
• The government hopes to reach its E20 (20% ethanol blended gasoline) target by 2025-26, up from the current 12%.