The ethanol sector in India is gaining momentum as the government aggressively pushes for ethanol blending in petrol to reduce crude oil imports and curb carbon emissions. The National Bio-Energy Policy targets 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, creating immense opportunities for ethanol manufacturers. This article explores the top five ethanol-related stocks in India to watch in 2025 and identifies the best stock for investment.

1. Balrampur Chini Mills Limited

Balrampur Chini Mills is one of India’s largest sugar manufacturers and a significant player in ethanol production. The company leverages its sugarcane processing capabilities to produce ethanol.

Key Highlights:

• Balrampur Chini has increased its ethanol capacity in line with government targets for blending.
• The company benefits from strong government policies and subsidies for ethanol producers.
• Its diversified business model, including sugar and power generation, ensures steady cash flow.

Why Consider Balrampur Chini Mills?

The company’s focus on expanding ethanol production and its strong financials make it a reliable choice for investors looking to capitalize on the ethanol boom.

2. Praj Industries Limited

Praj Industries is a global leader in bioenergy solutions, specializing in ethanol plant design and engineering. The company caters to both domestic and international markets.

Key Highlights:

• Praj provides turnkey solutions for ethanol plants, making it a key enabler of India’s ethanol blending program.
• It has diversified into second-generation (2G) ethanol technology, which uses agricultural waste as feedstock.
• The company’s focus on innovation and sustainability gives it a competitive edge in the bioenergy sector.

Why Consider Praj Industries?

Praj’s leadership in ethanol plant technology and its strong order book position it as a high-growth stock in the ethanol value chain.

3. Shree Renuka Sugars Limited

Shree Renuka Sugars is a leading sugar and ethanol producer in India. The company has been actively expanding its ethanol production capacity to meet growing demand.

Key Highlights:

• Shree Renuka is backed by its parent company, Wilmar International, ensuring access to global markets and expertise.
• The company’s focus on increasing distillery capacity aligns with the government’s ethanol blending targets.
• Its integrated operations in sugar, ethanol, and renewable energy provide operational synergies.

Why Consider Shree Renuka Sugars?

Shree Renuka’s aggressive capacity expansion and global backing make it a strong contender in the ethanol space.

4. Triveni Engineering and Industries Limited

Triveni Engineering is a diversified company with a significant focus on sugar and ethanol production. It is one of the largest ethanol producers in India.

Key Highlights:

• Triveni has been expanding its distillery capacity to cater to rising ethanol demand.
• The company benefits from its strategic location in Uttar Pradesh, India’s sugarcane belt.
• It has also ventured into high-value engineering solutions, diversifying its revenue streams.

Why Consider Triveni Engineering?

Triveni’s strong operational focus, capacity expansion, and diversified revenue model make it an attractive investment in the ethanol sector.

5. Dalmia Bharat Sugar and Industries Limited

Dalmia Bharat Sugar is a prominent sugar and ethanol manufacturer with a significant focus on renewable energy solutions.

Key Highlights:

• The company is actively expanding its ethanol production capacity to meet the 20% blending target.
• It has invested in sustainable practices, including the production of green energy from sugarcane waste.
• Dalmia Bharat Sugar’s strong financial performance underscores its operational efficiency.

Why Consider Dalmia Bharat Sugar?

The company’s focus on sustainability, capacity expansion, and diversified operations make it a reliable option for long-term investors.

The Best Ethanol Stock to Invest in 2025

Among these five stocks, Praj Industries Limited stands out as the best stock to invest in for 2025. Here’s why:

1. Leadership in Technology: Praj Industries is a global leader in ethanol plant technology, offering turnkey solutions that cater to the entire ethanol production process. Its expertise in second-generation (2G) ethanol technology, which uses agricultural residue as feedstock, positions it ahead of competitors.
2. Strong Demand Tailwinds: With the government’s push for ethanol blending, Praj is well-placed to benefit from the surge in demand for new ethanol plants and capacity expansions across the country.
3. Diversified Revenue Streams: In addition to ethanol plant solutions, Praj has diversified into other segments, including wastewater treatment and high-purity water systems, ensuring stable revenue growth.
4. Global Presence: Praj’s strong export order book and partnerships with global players enhance its growth potential, making it less dependent on the domestic market.
5. Innovation and Sustainability: The company’s focus on innovative and sustainable technologies aligns with global trends, attracting environmentally conscious investors and clients.

Key Risks and Considerations

While the ethanol sector offers immense growth potential, investors should be mindful of the following risks:

• Regulatory Risks: Changes in government policies, subsidies, or blending mandates could impact demand for ethanol.
• Feedstock Availability: Ethanol production depends on the availability of sugarcane and other feedstocks, which are susceptible to weather conditions.
• Competition: Increasing competition from both domestic and international players could pressure margins.

Conclusion

India’s ethanol sector is at the cusp of a transformational journey, driven by strong government policies, growing demand for renewable energy, and increasing awareness about sustainability. The stocks highlighted—Balrampur Chini Mills, Praj Industries, Shree Renuka Sugars, Triveni Engineering, and Dalmia Bharat Sugar—offer promising investment opportunities in 2025.

Among these, Praj Industries Limited emerges as the top pick due to its leadership in ethanol plant technology, focus on innovation, and ability to capitalize on both domestic and global markets. However, investors should conduct thorough research, consider their risk tolerance, and align their investments with their financial goals. With careful planning, ethanol stocks can be a cornerstone of a sustainable and profitable investment portfolio.