Indian mills in three states to significantly boost B-heavy molasses diversion to ethanol

In India, the Hindu newspaper reports the Indian Sugar Mills Association expects sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka, the three largest sugarcane growing states, to significantly increase the amount of B-heavy molasses that is diverted towards ethanol production this season. UP is expected to nearly double its diversion over last year to 674,000 metric tons of sugar equivalent, up from 370,000 tons last season. Maharashtra is seen increasing its diversion to 655,000 tons sugar equivalent from just 142,000 tons last season while Karnataka will likely divert 541,000 tons of sugar equivalent compared to 242,000 tons last year.