Ethanol Blending Programme

From India's biofuel push and FIFA's commercial priorities to pressure on the rupee, shifts in the global arms market and Malayalam cinema's evolution, here are today's key opinion pieces

The new fuel enters the market amid lingering concerns over the impact of ethanol blends on mileage and engine durability

The Wagon R flex fuel can run on ethanol blends up to E85 and is technically compatible with fuel blends ranging from E20 to E100

India is preparing the ground for E85 and E100 fuels, but moving beyond E20 will depend on whether the country can produce enough ethanol, store it safely, and distribute it efficiently at scale

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said the draft includes provisions for E85 fuel, a blend of ‌85% ethanol with petrol, and E100, which would allow vehicles to run on nearly pure ethanol

Senior industry official said the government also seems amenable to this, as producing more ethanol has become a national priority given the impact of the West Asia war on petroleum prices

From April 1, all petrol pumps will sell E20 fuel with minimum RON 95; the government has kept the option open to grant temporary exemptions

Since E20 fuel was made mandatory across India in April 2025, vehicle owners have increasingly reported issues related to mileage, engine performance and overall drivability

Following the commissioning of its Rs 4,500 crore bamboo-based biorefinery in Assam, AM Green plans more projects in India to scale ethanol production for petrol blending

Today's wrap of the Opinion Page considers the E20 mandate and its potential impacts, what a US court's ruling on Google means, India's spice trade, and the regulatory aspects of options trading

Gadkari calls for using isobutanol for blending with diesel

Since the rollout of the E20 blend, concerns have been raised that it may reduce vehicle mileage, affect engine life, and increase costs

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea which has challenged the nationwide rollout of 20 percent Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP-20), alleging that millions of motorists have been forced to use fuel not designed for their vehicles. The public interest litigation (PIL) is listed for hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice B R Gavai on September 1. The plea, filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra, has sought a direction to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to ensure availability of ethanol-free petrol at all fuel stations. It has also sought a direction to the authorities to mandatorily label ethanol content on all petrol pumps and dispensing units, making it clearly visible to consumers, and also to ensure that consumers were informed about ethanol compatibility of their vehicles at the time of fuel dispensing. The plea said the authorities be directed to conduct a "nationwide impact study on mechanical degradation and efficiency loss due to ethanol blended fu

Issuing clarifications on the queries raised by customers related to the use of E20 fuel in vehicles tested and certified for E10, the company said it conducted 'rigorous' durability tests

Over one-third of vehicle owners also report reduced mileage since E20 petrol introduction; many urge govt to consider optional, lower-priced sale

India achieved the 20 per cent ethanol blending target (E20) around five years ahead of schedule, initially set for 2030

India's move to widespread E20 ethanol-blended petrol follows the footsteps of Brazil, the US, and Europe - offering key lessons in consumer acceptance, industry policy, and vehicle readiness

Survey highlights mileage drop and cost concerns among older vehicle owners; industry urges phased transition to higher ethanol blends

Ethanol can promote corrosion of metal components, and strip deposits from fuel systems, potentially clogging filters and lines. So higher the blend, higher the chances of old engines getting affected

India must promote maize production and introduce more dynamic pricing for grain ethanol to unlock the full potential of fuel blending, according to a new report. The report, Unlocking Rs 35,000 crore for farmers The Untapped Potential of Grain Ethanol, also calls for uninterrupted supply of damaged, broken and surplus rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and expansion of the domestic market for Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS). Rising maize prices have made ethanol production costlier and less competitive, potentially discouraging investment in the sector. The report, by management consulting firm Primus Partners and Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA), recommends incentivising farmers to shift to maize cultivation by providing high-yield seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation infrastructure. In the last Ethanol Supply Year (November-October), grain ethanol producers faced losses as procurement prices remained unchanged despite increasing maize costs,