Topic
fuel policy
Commodities India Maintains Ethanol-Free Premium Petrol, No Plan to Exceed E20 Blending
India's government confirmed that premium petrol grades will remain ethanol-free and there is no plan to increase ethanol blending beyond the current 20% (E20) level. Minister Suresh Gopi stated the decision is based on scientific validation and logistical considerations.
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 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 India Waives Excise Duty on Ethanol-Blended Petrol to Boost Cleaner Fuel Use
India has waived excise duty on ethanol-blended petrol (E22, E25, E27, E30) to promote cleaner fuel and reduce crude oil imports. The government plans to establish 500 ethanol fuel stations by end-2026, with initial rollout in Delhi-NCR, Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur. The move comes as global crude prices surged above $100 per barrel due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, pushing domestic fuel prices up by over Rs 7.5 per litre.