ETHANOL MANUFACTURING
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.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%
Oil prices matter to the Indian economy, and the market responded with a smart rally as Brent crude cooled significantly on Monday. The rally was broad-based and involved all segments. But too much should not be read into one day’s showing. The thing to watch remains the results of the US mid-term elections which will be known in India through Wednesday. It will decide which way the market will move in the coming days and weeks.
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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Assam Chief Himanta Sarma inspects new projects, inaugurates AAC block unit in Tinsukia
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently visited Tinsukia to evaluate ongoing projects and inaugurate a manufacturing unit. He inspected the Tinsukia Medical College and Hospital's facilities as well as the construction of a town hall. During his visit, Sarma also engaged with athletes practicing at Sarbananda Singha Stadium and toured the proposed interstate bus terminus site.
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.
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.
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.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of up 32%, according to analysts
History tells us that there is no way you can time the markets or predict its movement. But one thing can certainly be said: If the macro matrix, which at this point of time is being determined by oil prices globally, stays disturbed, the bears will rule the street for some more time.
Farmers face 15% loss as poultry feed costs surge
Poultry farmers are currently experiencing losses of approximately 15% due to rising livestock feed costs. Key ingredients have seen price increases of up to 75%, affecting farmers' ability to cope. Dairy producers, particularly in drought-affected regions, struggle to source necessary fodder for their livestock. Feed manufacturers are also feeling the impact as higher prices reduce demand for their products.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India expects FY27 domestic sales volume at 6 million units
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India aims to increase domestic sales to 6 million units by March 2027. The company reported a 13.5 percent rise in dispatches in the first half of FY27. Honda's market share currently stands at approximately 25 percent in India. Additionally, they plan to expand production capacity to 8 million units by 2028.
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.
Beyond Oil: How bioenergy investments can rebalance India-Russia trade
Russia now exports more than $60 billion worth of goods annually to India, primarily crude oil, petroleum products, coal, and fertilisers.
India’s monsoon risks may raise food industry costs: D&B
India is experiencing agricultural risks attributed to monsoon conditions, which could impact food processors and poultry producers. Procurement costs and inventory needs are likely to rise significantly due to these agricultural challenges. Rice and wheat stocks provide immediate buffers against potential food-supply issues, but maize faces direct risks from production shortfalls. Affected states include Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which contribute significantly to overall foodgrain output.
Cheaper to run, but costlier to buy? New CAFE III rules kick in from April 2027; here's how your next car could be affected
India’s CAFE III fuel-efficiency norms will take effect from April 1, 2027, tightening fleet-average targets for automakers until March 2032. The rules offer incentives for electric vehicles, hybrids, flex-fuel cars and fuel-saving technologies. But will they make cars cheaper to run or push up showroom prices? Here’s how the new standards could affect vehicle costs and what buyers should consider before purchasing their next car.
SunBridge BioEnergy starts commercial production at Rs 350 crore ethanol plant
SunBridge BioEnergy Ltd has started commercial production of fuel-grade ethanol at its Seoni facility. This facility, with an investment of Rs 350 crore, has a daily production capacity of 300 kilolitres. The company also plans to increase its capacity by setting up another facility in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. SunBridge BioEnergy utilizes damaged food grains such as maize and broken rice for ethanol production.
TVS Motor's Venu Srinivasan says EVs not sole answer to cutting emissions
TVS Motor Chairman Emeritus Venu Srinivasan said electric vehicles should not be treated as the only route to cutting pollution, arguing instead for a technology-agnostic approach that preserves consumer choice. He also backed ethanol blending as a way to reduce fuel imports and urged Indian manufacturers to raise quality and productivity standards to compete globally.
The debate is settling, the business is moving. Time to look at a larger set? 9 sugar-ethanol ecosystem stocks for the watchlist
A new fuel programme is not an easy thing to implement. And it sparks intense debate. Ethanol, for instance, has taken over two decades to reach some scale, and it has been dogged by controversies. But the noise is now dying down as it meets targets that were said to be impossible to achieve. 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 standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma formally launches bicycles made of bamboo
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched bicycles made from bamboo. Bamboo India Private Limited has invested approximately Rs. 15 crores in Assam. The company plans to manufacture such bicycles at the Bamboo Park in Chaygaon. The company also aims to manufacture approximately 1,000 bicycles every month. The state government would extend its supports if the public response is positive.
Nitin Gadkari's ethanol challenge: 'Show me one damaged vehicle'; minister hits back at claims over blended petrol & reveals what farmers gained
Nitin Gadkari defended the Centre's ethanol-blending programme at the Bihar Investor Summit 2026, rejecting claims that ethanol-blended petrol damages vehicles. He said millions of vehicles have been running on blended fuel since 2022 and highlighted the policy's potential to reduce fuel imports while creating additional income opportunities for farmers through ethanol production.
CAFE-III gives auto industry investment clarity, supports cleaner technology adoption: Industry Experts
Industry leaders have welcomed India’s CAFE-III norms, saying the five-year framework provides automakers with greater policy certainty for technology investments and innovation. SIAM, Mahindra and the All India Distillers’ Association highlighted the balance between environmental goals, industry feasibility and energy security. The norms also recognise EVs, hybrids, ethanol-blended fuels and flex-fuel vehicles, supporting wider clean-mobility and biofuel adoption.
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