Sugar industry body ISMA on Monday hailed the decision to bar ethanol made from sugarcane juice, sugar syrup and B-heavy molasses in its latest tender, as the move will ensure adequate supply of the sweetener in the country.

State-run oil marketing companies have barred ethanol made from sugarcane juice, sugar syrup and B-heavy molasses from their latest procurement tender for the 2026-27 supply year for blending in petrol, as the government seeks to protect domestic sugar supplies while sustaining its nationwide petrol-blending programme.