Topic
biofuels
Commodities Grain-based ethanol gains momentum: What it means for India's blending programme
India's ethanol blending programme has crossed 717 crore litres cumulative supplies by June 2026, with grain-based ethanol contributing nearly 480 crore litres. The shift to maize and surplus grains provides resilience against crop failures, supports rural industry, and advances energy security.
Commodities India Reaches 20% Ethanol Blending Milestone as Govt Issues FAQs on E20 Fuel Concerns
India has reached 20% ethanol blending in petrol as of April 2025, five years ahead of target. The government released FAQs to address public concerns about fuel economy, performance, and vehicle damage, detailing the long history and supply build-up behind the policy.
Commodities Oil marketing companies hesitant to expand E85 rollout amid E20 petrol debate
Indian oil marketing companies are reluctant to expand E85 fuel outlets due to poor demand from a previous E100 pilot, pricing disadvantages, and limited flex-fuel vehicle penetration. The government aims for 500 flex-fuel stations by December 2026 and 5,000 by 2027, but only 48 currently dispense E85. A CEEW report notes ethanol is 15-25% more expensive on an operating cost basis than petrol.
Commodities Sugar Industry Renews Push for Dedicated E100 Fuel Pumps Amid Ethanol Glut
The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has renewed its demand for the government to allow ethanol distilleries to set up dedicated E100 fuel dispensing stations. The proposal, first made in February 2023, aims to scale up flex-fuel mobility and ease financial stress from excess ethanol capacity. The government has yet to decide, amid concerns over E20 blending programme efficiency.
Commodities India Defends E20 Petrol Against Viral Claims, Pushes Ethanol Roadmap Towards E100 Ecosystem
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas defended E20 petrol against viral claims, calling them misleading and unsubstantiated. India has achieved 20% ethanol blending ahead of schedule and is now pushing towards an E100 ecosystem with flex-fuel vehicles, aiming to reduce crude oil imports and boost farmer incomes.
Commodities From E20 to E85: India’s strategic leap in sustainable fuel blending
India's ethanol blending programme has evolved from a fragmented initiative into a comprehensive national strategy integrating energy security, agriculture, and industry. The coordinated rollout of E20 and introduction of E85 fuels, backed by inter-ministerial cooperation and feedstock diversification, is reshaping the country's fuel landscape.
Commodities India Clears E100 Fuel Framework, Accelerating Ethanol Vehicle Rollout and Impor
India has approved the regulatory framework for 100% ethanol (E100) as a vehicular fuel, enabling the commercial deployment of ethanol-powered cars and two-wheelers. The move, announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, aims to reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil (over 85% imports) and create new demand for agricultural feedstocks, while giving automakers regulatory certainty to invest in flex-fuel platforms.
India ethanol push needs uniform policies and consumer trust: AIDA
India's Ethanol Blending Programme requires standardised state-level taxes and consumer education to succeed, according to the All India Distillers’ Association. With installed capacity of 2,000 crore litres and demand at 1,434 crore litres, the industry holds a surplus of 566 crore litres. Excise duty exemptions on higher blends (E22 to E30) aim to curb crude oil imports, but consumer concerns over mileage persist.
Commodities India Considers Delaying Higher Ethanol Mandate
India's government is considering delaying the increase in ethanol blending from E20 to E25 due to concerns about vehicle compatibility. Most vehicles manufactured before 2025 are not fully compliant with higher ethanol blends, potentially impacting mileage and maintenance costs.