ETHANOL
Nitin Gadkari says new Toyota Innova to be launched on November 26, running cost to be just Rs 25 per liter
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that Toyota will launch a new bioethanol-powered Innova in India on November 26. The vehicle will run entirely on 100% bioethanol and generate nearly 60% of its power through electricity while driving. Gadkari claims its effective running cost could be equivalent to just Rs 25-30 per litre of petrol, potentially offering significant savings to motorists. The announcement comes as the government promotes alternative fuels to reduce India's dependence on conventional petrol and diesel.
Drought threatens India's 20% ethanol blending target as food takes priority
India faces a significant challenge in its ethanol production due to the lowest monsoon rainfall experienced in over a decade. This situation has prompted New Delhi to prioritize food security over its ethanol blending targets. Estimates suggest that the ethanol blending ratio may decrease this supply year from 20% to around 15%. Producers are being squeezed by increased corn prices and reduced purchasing prices for ethanol.
India may reimpose broken rice export restrictions as prices cross $360 per tonne: IREF
India may reimpose restrictions on exports of 100% broken rice as international prices cross $360 per tonne and domestic demand from ethanol manufacturers and poultry-feed producers increases, the Indian Rice Exporters' Federation (IREF) has warned. No fresh curbs have been announced so far.
Rs 600 for 1,000 km journey: Nitin Gadkari proposes Rs 3 per unit for EV charging at night and Rs 5 during the day to boost electric vehicle adoption
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has suggested Maharashtra Chief Minister to charge Rs 3 per unit for electric vehicle (EV) charging at night and Rs 5 during the day to encourage EV adoption. At the proposed night-time rate, an electric car delivering 5 km per unit could travel 1,000 km for just Rs 600. Gadkari said cheaper night-time electricity could make EVs more attractive to buyers.
Karnataka MSP row: Factory owners, unions to meet as sugarcane farmers turn up heat
Karnataka's factory owners association and unions are set to meet regarding the Minimum Support Price increase. State Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated that discussions will occur under the Deputy Commissioner's leadership. Farmers have also raised demands for higher sugar prices amid ongoing protests in Mandya. The concerns involve sugarcane pricing disputes affecting both farmers and mills in Karnataka.
PSU oil firms float tender to buy 150 mn litres of biodiesel at Rs 88/litre
Indian oil marketing companies are inviting bids for 150 million litres of biodiesel over a three-month period. The procurement will begin in November 2026 and aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil. Supplies will be sourced from used cooking oil and other feedstocks, enhancing the domestic biodiesel market. Vendors must meet strict quality and delivery requirements throughout the procurement phase.
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Fuel, forex and farmers: Why India is betting big on maize
A grain that once fed chickens now fuels cars and, soon, planes. The harder question is whether Indian farms can keep up with the demand it has created.
In 2007, Range Fuels broke ground on a Georgia plant designed to produce 100 million gallons of ethanol a year from wood waste; by 2011, it had closed without selling any
In Soperton, Georgia, a factory built to produce biofuels closed in 2011 without selling any product. Range Fuels was supported by $156 million in federal funding but failed due to inconsistent technology performance. The cellulosic ethanol mandate established in 2007 aimed to spur a new industry but resulted in shortfalls. Despite advancements in biofuel science, government investments must match realistic technological capabilities.
Karnataka sugarcane growers stage demo to press for their demands, district officials impose restrictions
Farmers in North Karnataka are intensifying their protest over the procurement price of sugarcane and other related issues. They staged blockades and sit-ins across several locations including Belagavi and Dharwad. The farmers are demanding a fair price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for sugarcane and other reforms. Local administrations have imposed prohibitory orders to prevent further protests on highways.
Vote Republican, or else: How Trump is dangling government help on campaign trail
President Donald Trump has suggested that his administration may withhold assistance from Democratic leaders after the midterm elections. At recent rallies, he has used the threat of political favoritism to bolster Republican candidates. His comments have concerned some voters, especially veterans seeking aid linked to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Additionally, Trump's remarks in North Carolina and Kansas have sparked controversy among local Democratic candidates.
School Assembly Headlines for October 30: Top national, international, sports and business updates
School Assembly News Headlines for October 30, 2026: The Centre will release the 24th instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme on October 30, benefiting eligible farmers. The Bombay High Court has denied Meta's request to relocate a lawsuit to California, affirming Indian jurisdiction. Jamia Millia Islamia has prolonged online classes until November 24 due to ongoing protests on campus. In Israel's 2026 elections, Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc is reportedly leading with a projected seat count near 54.
India's 100% ethanol-run vehicle push faces Supreme Court question to govt over fuel supply
The Supreme Court questioned the Centre over ethanol supply for 100% ethanol-run vehicles after India amended motor vehicle rules to permit E100 flex-fuel vehicles. The government acknowledged that large-scale manufacturing changes would be necessary. The court also highlighted farmers' interests while examining ethanol allocation disputes, as the Centre ruled out increasing petrol ethanol blending beyond the current 20% level.
Nitin Gadkari says no challan for speeding up to 20% over the limit: What he told officials, when challans should be issued & what motorists must know
Nitin Gadkari has said motorists should not receive speeding challans for exceeding the applicable speed limit by up to 20%, while those crossing the threshold should be penalised. He also warned contractors over poor-quality highways, defended E20 petrol blending and called for domestic manufacturing of tunnel-boring machines as India plans major investments in tunnel infrastructure.
India may import more food, feed and farm commodities as drought hits crops
Amid predictions of drought in India this financial year, food and agricultural imports are anticipated to rise sharply. With serious reductions in kharif soybean and groundnut production, import requests are growing. The sugar and poultry industries are grappling with soaring feed costs, prompting an extension for raw sugar imports to be granted.
Indian petrol demand to peak by 2035, says top refiner Indian Oil
Indian petrol demand is projected to peak by the year 2035 as electric vehicles become more prevalent. The chairman of Indian Oil Corp highlighted that ethanol blending and more gas vehicles will also contribute. In contrast, the consumption of diesel and jet fuel is expected to grow due to industrial expansion. Additionally, demand for certain heavy fuel grades like petcoke will rise significantly.
E20 criticism was a ‘paid campaign’, says Nitin Gadkari amid flex-fuel push
Nitin Gadkari stated that the uproar over E20 blending in petrol was a paid campaign against it. He emphasized that many vehicles have used blends without significant issues or failures reported. The minister reviewed highway condition complaints and assured improvements in the next two years. He also noted a significant increase in the national highway network since 2014, improving connectivity.
Gadkari urges industry to manufacture tunnel boring machines in India
Nitin Gadkari urged the industry to focus on developing tunnel machinery indigenously due to recent export controls from China. The Indian government plans to invest over Rs 7 lakh crore in infrastructure projects, including highways and tunnels. Gadkari highlighted the importance of quality in highway construction and stated that poor-performing contractors would face consequences. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing efforts to improve logistics costs and connectivity through various projects.
No intention to increase ethanol blending in fuel beyond 20%: Union minister Hardeep Puri
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday said the Centre has no immediate plans to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20% level, calling misinformation about E20 fuel a “contrived narrative”.
E100 ethanol fuel allowed in India: What it is, whether you can use it in your existing petrol car & what the new rules mean
E100 ethanol fuel India: The government has amended vehicle emission rules to allow E100, a fuel containing 100% ethanol, in compatible flex-fuel vehicles alongside E85. The move supports India's push to increase ethanol use and reduce dependence on imported crude oil. However, E100 cannot be used in regular petrol cars unless they are specifically designed for the fuel, and no nationwide rollout date has been announced.
Govt should hike maize-based ethanol procurement rate by 9% to Rs 75 per litre: AIDA
The All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) has approached the government with a request to elevate the maize-based ethanol procurement price to Rs 75 per litre. As maize prices continue to climb, AIDA expressed fears regarding the viability of grain-based distilleries and noted that current ethanol production plants are underutilized, which adversely affects profit margins.
Sugar stocks: Short-term pain is real; has the long-term case broken? 7 stocks from the sugar-ethanol ecosystem
Though this year's ethanol tender leaves sugar out, the long-term blending roadmap still points to rising ethanol use. The move is aimed at a short-term sugar-supply problem, not at ethanol itself. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardized scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
Karnataka CM Shivakumar urges sugar mills to be large-hearted towards cane growers
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to sugar mill proprietors to tackle the persistent disputes over cane pricing. He stressed that fostering goodwill from factories is essential to assist farmers grappling with rising cultivation expenses. The state government has committed to sharing some of the financial pressures related to cane support alongside mill partnerships. Farmers nationwide are grappling with similar issues regarding sugar prices and production challenges.
Govt amends motor vehicle rules to allow E100 fuel for flex-fuel vehicles, clarifies E20 vehicles unaffected
The Centre has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to recognise E100 fuel for flex-fuel vehicles designed to run on up to 100% ethanol. Notified on October 23, 2026, the changes add E100 alongside E85 in emission regulations and update fuel specifications and testing requirements.
DK Shivakumar calls October 26 meeting with cane growers, sugar mills amid north Karnataka unrest
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has convened a meeting of sugarcane growers and sugar mill representatives in Belagavi. The state government intends to address the mounting unrest among farmers. The CM emphasised that the plight of sugarcane farmers was a national issue, pushing for central intervention. The Union government agreed to convene a separate meeting over remuneration. The CM has written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the Centre's five key issues.
India’s drought-hit maize crunch pits poultry, ethanol makers in ‘me first’ fight
Drought conditions have caused a significant decrease in maize supply, leading to competition among industries for access. Poultry producers, starch manufacturers, and ethanol plants are all vying for limited maize resources, exacerbating the situation. As maize prices continue to rise, the poultry industry has expressed concerns about potential feed shortages. Industry bodies have urged the government to prioritize maize for food production over fuel use.
Shivakumar urges PM to address cane growers’ demands as agitation delays crushing season
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to PM Modi regarding the struggles of sugarcane farmers. Protests have intensified in North Karnataka, impacting the sugarcane crushing season and farmers’ livelihoods. The Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need for raising sugar's minimum selling price and revising ethanol procurement norms. State government initiatives to support farmers include direct financial assistance and improvements in sugar recovery rates.
Sugar stocks Balrampur Chini, Bajaj Sugar, others crash up to 7% as centre stops diversion to ethanol
Sugar stocks dropped in early trading following the government's directive to cease sugar diversion for ethanol production. The decision impacts major sugar companies like Balrampur Chini Mills and Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar, which experienced a decline between 2% and 7%. This directive aims to enhance domestic sugar availability amidst rising prices. The government's action follows concerns about potential production shortfalls due to insufficient rainfall.
India sets zero sugar diversion for ethanol in 2026/27 tender
India has instructed oil marketing companies to cease sugar diversion for ethanol production by the year 2026-27. This decision arises amid rising sugar prices and concerns over domestic sugar supply due to poor rainfall. Ethanol from sugarcane juice and other sugar-based feedstocks will not be included in the latest tender. The government aims to boost domestic sugar production and curb oil imports as part of its policies.
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