PETROL ETHANOL BLENDING
India seeks to cool war’s oil burn with flex-fuel shift
India is gearing up to fast-track the integration of flex-fuel vehicles into its automotive landscape. These innovative cars are capable of using higher blends of ethanol, paving the way for decreased dependence on imported oil. As the global oil markets grapple with instability stemming from geopolitical conflicts, this initiative is timely.
TVS' ethanol-powered models ready, rollouts to be in phases, says Sudarshan Venu, CMD of TVS Motor Company
India's E20 ethanol blending milestone has yielded significant foreign exchange savings and rural economic strengthening. TVS Motor's CMD, Sudarshan Venu, highlights the need for ecosystem alignment for E25 and beyond, emphasizing ethanol's complementary role with EVs for a multi-technology transition.
Delhi EV registrations rise 29%, petrol vehicles retain dominance
Delhi's electric vehicle registrations surged by 29 percent in 2025-26. Petrol vehicle registrations also increased, showing a mixed market. Experts anticipate further EV growth due to new policies and incentives. The government is promoting electric mobility with scrappage benefits and tax exemptions. Overall vehicle demand in Delhi saw robust growth.
Stoves to cars: India expands ethanol use amid West Asia war
India has a massive surplus of ethanol, pushing policymakers and industry to find new uses. Ethanol-powered cooking stoves are being tested. Blending with diesel for generators is also under consideration. Flex-fuel vehicles are ready, but higher taxes and fuel availability hinder adoption. Incentives are needed to boost demand and resolve this supply-demand imbalance.
Sugar exports may be capped, surplus diverted to ethanol
India plans to convert unsold sugar exports into ethanol. This move aims to boost ethanol production for blending with petrol. The government is also exploring higher blending levels. This strategy supports India's goal to reduce crude oil imports and save foreign exchange.
India Inc seeks export ban on key inputs, QCO relief amid Iran war
Iran War: Industry is urging the government to consider an export ban on key raw materials like sulphur and helium, alongside temporary relaxations on quality control orders to ease sourcing. Suggestions also include a targeted work-from-home policy and higher ethanol blending in petrol to counter West Asian conflict impacts. The government is actively engaging with industry for real-time feedback.
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E20 petrol now the main fuel in India from April 1. What this big shift means, and can your car handle ethanol-blended fuel?
India has mandated E20 petrol, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, across the nation from April 1, 2025. This initiative aims to reduce crude oil imports, boost energy security, and support agriculture. While newer vehicles are largely compatible, older models may see minor efficiency drops.
India weighs faster rollout of flexible-fuel vehicles as ecosystem gaps, mileage concerns persist
India is on a mission to promote flexible-fuel vehicles as a means to enhance energy independence and minimize pollution. With the technology in place, the spotlight is shifting towards establishing a robust support framework. Discussions among auto manufacturers and government representatives are underway to assess how these vehicles can become consumer-friendly.
Govt to cut broken rice in PDS to free up ethanol feedstock, says Food Secretary
The government plans to reduce broken rice in public distribution to 10% from 25%, freeing up 90 lakh tonnes annually for the ethanol sector. This move aims to ensure a stable feedstock supply for ethanol production, reduce reliance on whole grains, and improve PDS quality. The change is expected to bolster India's ethanol blending program amidst rising crude oil prices.
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.
Key highlights of PM Modi’s speech in Lok Sabha: ‘West Asia crisis poses new challenges for India’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed Parliament about the worrying West Asia situation. He stressed its impact on India's economy and national security. The safety of nearly one crore Indians in the region is a top priority. The government is actively assisting citizens and monitoring supply routes. Efforts are underway to ensure stable energy supplies and protect students' academic futures.
Ethanol industry ready to supply more than 20 pc blending, can cut crude import bill: AIDA
India's ethanol industry is ready to supply more than 20 percent ethanol blends with petrol. This move aims to cut crude oil imports amid rising global prices. The All India Distillers' Association has proposed increasing the blending mandate. They also suggest flex-fuel vehicles and ethanol-based cook stoves. This initiative supports clean energy goals and reduces economic vulnerability.
Delhi EV policy explained: Up to Rs 1 Lakh incentive, 100% exemption on road tax till 2030 to boost clean mobility
Delhi Electric Vehicle policy explained: The Delhi government is set to introduce a new policy aimed at accelerating electric vehicle adoption by offering financial incentives for scrapping old vehicles. Under the scheme, individuals who scrap BS-IV or older Delhi-registered vehicles can avail the benefits of up to ₹1 lakh when purchasing new EVs, along with exemptions on road tax and registration fees until 2030.
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.
HMEL to invest Rs 2,600 cr in speciality, fine chemicals sector in Punjab: LN Mittal
HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) announced a Rs 2,600 crore investment in Punjab's speciality and fine chemicals sector. Additionally, HMEL plans to launch 500 new retail fuel outlets nationwide, equipped with modern technology. This expansion follows HMEL's significant Rs 60,000 crore investment in its Bathinda refinery, Punjab's sole oil refinery.
India's 250 million barrel buffer and supply diversification ensure fuel stability: Report
India holds significant oil reserves, enough for seven to eight weeks of supply. The nation has diversified its oil imports from 40 countries, reducing reliance on single chokepoints. Russia remains a key supplier, with India adhering to price cap rules. Domestic ethanol blending and refining capacity further bolster energy security.
India's Godavari Biorefineries to start grain-based distillery in June quarter
Godavari Biorefineries is set to launch a new grain-based distillery in the June quarter. This facility will allow the company to use both sugarcane and corn as feedstock, depending on market prices. The move aims to diversify operations and ensure year-round production.
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 glut hits India: Excess capacity clouds Rs 50,000 crore green fuel industry
India's green energy dream is facing a challenge. The country has built massive ethanol production capacity, but demand for blending with petrol is falling short. This excess capacity threatens investments and farmer incomes. Policymakers are now grappling with how to increase blending targets and explore new avenues like diesel blending to utilize the surplus.
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.
Ethanol-blended petrol environment friendly, benefitting farmers, Nitin Gadkari tells Lok Sabha
Amid concerns over the use of ethanol-blended petrol, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said after extensive testing, no adverse impact has been found in cars where ethanol mixed petrol is used.
Operational cost of a plane is as much as running an MG Hector, viral post on aviation fuel cheaper than petrol sparks debate
A Reddit post sparked debate by suggesting that operating a small aircraft in India could be as affordable as running a mid-size SUV, citing lower aviation fuel costs. While some users found the idea intriguing, others pointed out the complexities of aviation regulations and the additional costs involved.
Ethanol blending in petrol won't void your insurance policy, gives better acceleration, doesn't affect mileage: Govt on E20
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas asserts that E20 fuel enhances acceleration and reduces carbon emissions by approximately 30% compared to E10, with minimal impact on mileage. Dismissing concerns about insurance validity, the ministry highlights the program's benefits, including reduced crude oil imports, increased farmer incomes, and significant CO₂ emission reductions.
More ethanol, more hustle, more productivity? Bengaluru man's satirical post on ethanol blending, petrol prices goes viral
A LinkedIn post by a Bengaluru professional went viral. The post satirizes rising petrol prices and ethanol blending. It suggests higher prices motivate people to work harder. The post sparked debate on social media platforms like Reddit. The Ministry of Petroleum clarified that E20 petrol does not harm older vehicles. Studies show no significant impact on fuel consumption or power.
Govt begins talks on developing ethanol roadmap beyond 20% blending: Oil Minister
The Indian government is outlining plans for boosting ethanol adoption beyond the 20% blending target set for 2025, with current blending levels at 16%. Investments have improved supply, overcoming past shortages, while state oil companies are promoting pure ethanol and E85 fuel to encourage vehicle adoption.
Indian govt plans 5% ethanol blending in diesel
The government is exploring a new initiative to blend 5% ethanol in diesel, following its progress towards 20% ethanol blending in petrol. With ethanol blending in petrol at 15%, further trials are necessary for diesel, especially for BS-VI vehicles, to ensure vehicle performance, emissions, and fuel efficiency.
India will achieve 20% ethanol-blended petrol target by 2025; maize to play important role, says Piyush Goyal
The minister highlighted that the blending of ethanol with petrol has increased to 10 per cent in 2021-22 marketing year from just 1.53 per cent in 2013-14 on the back of efforts made by farmers and industry, aided by favourable government policies. He said the supply of ethanol to oil marketing companies (OMCs) increased to 408 crore litre in 2021-22 from 38 crore litre in 2013-14.
Ethanol blending programme in all states now
India has set the ambitious target of blending 20% ethanol in petrol by 2025. "In the present ethanol supply year (ESY) that runs from December to November, we have achieved 7.89% blending and by the end of November, are likely to hit 8.1% to 8.2% blending," Goud said.
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