ETHANOL IMPORT SUBSTITUTION
Ethanol transition can shift to "Transport Energy Backbone" to shield India from oil shocks: KPMG
India's ethanol use is evolving beyond simple blending. It is set to become a key transport energy source. This will help manage fluctuating global fuel prices. An adaptive fuel system, varied distribution, and flex-fuel vehicles are crucial. This shift aims to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on external price volatility.
Higher ethanol mix tax cut a good drive
India is rolling out incentives for petrol mixed with higher ethanol percentages, marking a significant step in its commitment to bolster ethanol blending. Despite refiners and automakers gearing up for implementation, they face hurdles related to water resources and agricultural output. On the bright side, harnessing agricultural waste for ethanol could help replace imports and open up export opportunities.
Fueling Demand: Inside India’s ethanol mobility revolution in reverse
India is launching an ambitious green mobility initiative. The country is establishing E100 fuel stations nationwide before flex-fuel vehicles become common. This strategy aims to reduce oil imports and boost the rural economy. Major automakers are now introducing flex-fuel cars and motorcycles. This rapid development marks a significant shift in India's energy landscape.
Government rolling out 100 ethanol fuel stations in Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra: Hardeep Singh Puri
India is expanding its network of ethanol fuel stations across Delhi-NCR, Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the country's reliance on imported fossil fuels. The government plans to increase the number of these stations to 500 by the end of 2026 and anticipates 5,000 by 2027. This move supports cleaner fuel alternatives and boosts farmer income.
For both the compulsive trader and careful investor: 25 stocks to watch if risk appetite returns; some with upside potential, some not
If the price of crude oil softens, Indian equities may again see a risk-on phase. Tariff concerns are no longer the central issue; the larger market trigger is oil, because crude influences inflation, currency, margins, fiscal comfort, and foreign investor appetite. In such a market, one-time favourites often return to the screen. But not every familiar name deserves fresh capital. These 25 stocks should be on the watchlists of both traders and investors. Some have upside potential, some do not. But all need to be judged through liquidity, institutional interest, sector triggers, and price confirmation.
Iran war energy shock drives India's interest in ethanol and other biofuels
India and Southeast Asian nations are boosting biofuel use amid global fuel disruptions. This move aims to reduce reliance on imported oil and manage rising costs. However, challenges remain in developing supply chains and ensuring vehicle compatibility. Experts also highlight environmental concerns related to crop-based biofuel production. The shift towards biofuels is a significant development for energy security.
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India in talks with Nepal for ethanol exports, exploring shipments to SAARC nations
India is discussing ethanol exports with Nepal and other SAARC countries. This initiative aims to support farmers and strengthen the rural economy. Higher ethanol blending levels could lead to significant foreign exchange savings. The government is also engaging with auto manufacturers for flex-fuel vehicle introductions. Consumer awareness and pricing will be key for wider adoption.
Petrol may vanish from your nearby pump, but that would be fine
India is accelerating its move away from petrol and diesel, signaling a post-fossil fuel era for transport. Driven by economic, environmental, and geopolitical factors, the nation is embracing alternatives like ethanol, hydrogen, and electricity. Policy shifts, including formal recognition of high-ethanol fuels, pave the way for this significant transition, impacting consumers and the auto industry.
India proposes new vehicle rules to allow higher ethanol-blended fuels
India has proposed amendments to its motor vehicle rules to formally integrate higher ethanol-blended fuels, including E85 (85% ethanol) and E100 (nearly pure ethanol). This move follows the nation's achievement of its E20 target and aims to further reduce reliance on expensive petroleum imports.
There is no future for petrol and diesel vehicles, Nitin Gadkari says
India is phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated there is no future for these fuels. Manufacturers must switch to cleaner alternatives. Hydrogen and ethanol are highlighted as key fuels. India is already producing ethanol from various sources. Pilot projects for hydrogen trucks and buses are underway.
India craves a sweet fix for crude addiction. Can it work?
India is rapidly expanding its use of ethanol, a sugar-based fuel. This strategy aims to cut reliance on imported crude oil and boost farmer incomes. Recent policy changes support higher ethanol blends in vehicles and even aviation fuel. The nation is moving towards E20 and exploring E100. This push is a coordinated effort across agriculture, energy, and transport sectors.
Don’t waste a good crisis: India needs a body not just for putting out fires, but also for long-term strategic energy ideas
India is facing one of its worst energy disruptions, with far higher dependence on imported fuels than in past crises. Today, the focus has shifted from coal substitution to electrification, renewable energy expansion, and efficiency. While progress has been made, challenges remain in scaling renewables, managing land conflicts, improving technology, and strengthening energy efficiency. India needs renewed policy thinking, greater R&D integration, and stronger global cooperation.
The other Ether-blend solution: How DME could ease India’s LPG crisis
India is embarking on an innovative journey by mixing dimethyl ether (DME) with cooking gas to lessen its dependency on imported LPG. This strategy utilizes the current LPG infrastructure, offering a smart and practical solution for enhancing energy independence.
India's ethanol moment has arrived — and the industry says it's ready for more
India has mandated 20% ethanol in petrol from April 2026, a significant policy acceleration. The nation boasts surplus production capacity, offering a strategic energy buffer amidst global oil price volatility. This move bolsters farmer incomes and reduces foreign exchange outgo, with the industry now eyeing further expansion into aviation fuel and cooking gas.
India mandates sale of 20% ethanol-blended petrol from April
India will soon see petrol blended with up to 20 percent ethanol and a minimum octane rating of 95. This mandate begins nationwide from April 1, 2026. The move aims to reduce oil imports and emissions. Ethanol is a cleaner, renewable fuel. Most new vehicles are compatible. This initiative supports farmers by increasing demand for agricultural products.
Ethanol capacity surges but 20% blending cap limits demand
Distillery capacity is growing faster than ethanol demand. Oil companies expect only a small rise in procurement for petrol blending. New plants will add to existing supply. This situation presents challenges for the ethanol sector. The 20% blending target limits how much more ethanol can be absorbed. Discussions on increasing this target have stalled.
E20 blended fuel tested before approval, milage not affected: Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari defends E20 fuel. He states it underwent thorough testing and doesn't affect mileage. Automakers support it. Gadkari emphasizes benefits for farmers and import reduction. He dismisses social media criticism as politically motivated. The minister highlights ethanol production from corn, increasing farmer income. He reiterates E20 fuel is cost-effective and pollution-free.
From e-commerce to fuel, how forests can foster a carbon-neutral future
As the industry begins to search for substitutes to ingredients currently derived from fossil fuels, it is important to consider forests as an important source for the future supply of these substitutes.
India achieved 10 pc ethanol blending target ahead of schedule: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
For a nation, 85 per cent dependent on imports for meeting its oil needs and 50 per cent for gas requirement, the key is alternate energy sources - from renewable power to hydrogen and switching to electric vehicles from current petrol and diesel-run automobiles.
India to start supplying petrol with 20% ethanol from April 2023
India, which achieved the target of supplying petrol mixed with 10 per cent ethanol (10 per cent ethanol, 90 per cent petrol) ahead of schedule in June this year, has advanced the target of making petrol with 20 per cent ethanol by five years to 2025. The original target for doping 10 per cent ethanol, extracted from sugarcane and other agri commodities, in petrol originally was November 2022.
Nitin Gadkari urges construction sector to substitute diesel with alternative fuels
Addressing an event organised by industry body CII, Gadkari said currently India is importing 85 per cent of its crude oil requirement, which amounts to Rs 8 lakh crore annually, which is a huge burden on the economy.
Ethanol blending in petrol hits 8.1% on better supplies
The government has been aiming to increase the share of biofuels in the transportation sector to cut dependence on oil imports, which account for 85% of the domestic needs. Petrol makes up 15% of oil consumption in the country and a 10% substitution by ethanol could bring down oil imports by 1.5 percentage points.
Flex-fuel engines to be made mandatory in coming days: Nitin Gadkari
Referring to his recent meeting with representatives of vehicle manufacturers Kirloskar and Toyota, Gadkari said, "They have prepared cars with flex (flexible) engines. Flex engine means use of 100 per cent petrol or ethanol. This has been made on the Euro 6 norms. I am going to make flex engines mandatory."
Government issues draft notification on ethanol blending in petrol
"The newly manufactured gasoline vehicles fitted with spark ignition engine compatible to run on ethanol gasoline blends of E-12 and E-15 shall be type approved as per prevailing gasoline emission norms," the draft notification said.
India to boost ethanol production as people facing problems due to high fuel rates: Gadkari
Addressing a conference organised by BRICS Network University virtually, Gadkari mentioned that automobile makers are producing flex-fuel engines in Brazil, Canada and the US providing an alternative to customers to use 100 per cent petrol or 100 per cent bio-ethanol.
India facing 'economic crisis' due to huge oil imports: Transport minister
India is the third largest importer of crude oil and rising international oil prices are inflating domestic transport fuel costs in a strong demand environment.
Flex-engine bikes to hit Indian markets soon: Nitin Gadkari
The Transport and Shipping Minister also emphasised the need to diversify agriculture towards power and energy by producing ethanol.
Government to formulate policies on ethanol, methanol: Nitin Gadkari
Dharmendra Pradhan, among others, Gadkari said this will also create an industry worth Rs 1 lakh crore and provide employment to around 25 lakh youths.
Nitin Gadkari pushes for leapfrogging into methanol economy
The government's key think tank, NITI Aayog is seriously exploring about deploying methanol as a possible way to achieve energy independence for India.
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