India's ethanol blending drive backed by science: Brazil trade minister

Brazil's trade minister says India's ethanol blending programme is based on scientific research, while highlighting opportunities to expand crude oil exports and biofuel cooperation

Brazil’s high-level ethanol blending in petrol causes no damage to vehicles, said the country’s trade minister, adding that a similar initiative in India is backed by scientific research. 

“For a flex-fuel vehicle, it is scientifically proven in Brazil that diesel can handle ethanol blends up to 15 per cent and petrol up to 32 per cent. (Brazilian) authorities are already researching if the blend (for petrol) can be increased to 35 per cent, but those studies aren’t ready yet. Decisions are made based on technical details,” Márcio Fernando Elias Rosa, the country’s minister for development, industry, trade and services, told Business Standard in an interview in New Delhi. 

 

“I know India did the same as Brazil, and we hope other countries use biofuels for environmental and economic reasons,” he said.

Brazil has the highest mandatory ethanol blending and it is recognised as the world leader in large-scale bioethanol adoption. The country transformed its automobile industry by introducing flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) in 2003. FFVs account for the majority of new passenger vehicle sales in the country. 

“As long as the vehicle has a flex engine, it is irrelevant if the mixture is 15 per cent or 30 per cent; the performance is the same, and there is reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In Brazil, the use of ethanol generated savings of 5 billion Brazilian reais for consumers compared with petrol prices.” 

Most vehicles sold in India since 2023–24 are E20 compatible, whereas older models were engineered only for E10 blends. While the government insists older vehicles can safely run on E20 with just a 3-5 per cent drop in mileage, consumers remain sceptical. Critics warn that forcing higher ethanol blends into engines not originally designed for them could lead to faster component wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and higher long-term maintenance costs. 

“Brazil is a big exporter of crude oil. There is a great possibility of expansion of crude oil exports to India,” said Rosa. Brazil is India’s fifth-largest crude oil supplier.   

“We are promoting exploration in new fields. Petrobras, our largest oil company, produced 2.40 million barrels of crude oil in 2025, which is about 11 per cent higher than last year. Brazil is also investing in renewable energy, including biomethane, hydrogen, and biomass. It can be a great supplier and also help India with biofuel production. The idea for Brazil and India is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” he said.