ETHANOL PUSH
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.
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.
Adani Ports makes $3.3 billion play for Evos Terminals
Adani Ports has submitted a binding $3.3 billion bid for Evos Terminals, a European liquid-storage operator with eight terminals across five countries, as it looks to expand overseas and build exposure to energy-transition infrastructure. The move follows APSEZ’s unsuccessful bid for Associated British Ports and reflects a broader push into global ports, container assets and liquid terminals.
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.
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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.
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.
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”.
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.
Engie plans €3 billion investment in India by 2030
Engie intends to invest approximately 3 billion in India to grow its renewable energy capacity significantly. The company aims to increase its current portfolio of 2 GW to 7 GW by the year 2030. Engie will focus on renewable projects, battery storage, and data centre opportunities to achieve this goal. Challenges such as grid connectivity and land access will require innovative solutions, which the company is prepared to tackle.
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.
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.
Farmers say no to early sugarcane crushing, demand compensation and higher sugar, ethanol prices first
Farmers' organizations in Maharashtra and Karnataka are resisting the government's early sugarcane crushing proposal. They demand compensation for low recovery and higher prices for sugar and ethanol. A meeting with Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi has been scheduled to discuss these concerns. Crushing immature sugarcane may lead to substantial financial losses for both farmers and sugar mills.
Two-wheelers, EVs power September auto sales as festive demand picks up
India’s two-wheeler market saw record sales in September, boosted by festive consumer buying trends. Two-wheeler sales rose 33.08% year-on-year, marking the segment's highest-ever September performance. Electric vehicles also achieved record monthly sales, accounting for 11.58% of overall two-wheeler sales. The festive season is anticipated to further enhance sales momentum, with many dealers expecting growth. Overall, the shift toward electric vehicles indicates changing consumer preferences in the automotive market.
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.
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.
India needs integrated energy storage policy to build resilience against geopolitical shocks: S&P Global
Gauri Jauhar emphasizes the importance of energy resilience for India's future energy security and storage policies. An integrated framework for storage across various energy sources is essential for long-term stability. India's refining sector plays a crucial role in managing crude import dependence and generating foreign exchange earnings. The transition to clean energy and green hydrogen will occur gradually while India remains an attractive destination for energy investments.
Beyond the 7% headline: S&P maps the forces driving India’s next growth phase
India’s economy is set to grow 7% in FY27, according to S&P Global, which sees domestic demand, private investment, manufacturing, trade, energy security, renewable power, digital infrastructure and technology shaping India’s next phase of economic growth.
India's rice industry looks beyond grain for next billion-dollar opportunity
India’s rice industry is looking beyond raw grain exports to higher-value products such as noodles, bran oil, protein, specialised ingredients and rice-husk-based materials. An IREF-EY assessment at the Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 will identify which products offer the strongest combination of demand, margins, investment potential and export opportunity.
Nitin Gadkari says 100% ethanol car can cut fuel bills to just Rs 25 per litre
Union minister Nitin Gadkari has said a car that runs entirely on ethanol, with no petrol needed at all, will launch in October. He said the running cost would work out equal to a petrol car using fuel priced at around Rs 25 a litre. Gadkari made the remarks while defending the government's ethanol blending policy and linking it to farmer income.
Nearly 7 billion litres without a market: Ethanol glut in India fuels search for new buyers
India’s ethanol industry is deluged with severe oversupply, with nearly 7 billion litres of capacity without a clear market. Installed capacity has reached about 20 billion litres, while E20 blending needs around 11 billion litres and non-fuel sectors consume another 3–3.5 billion litres.
Nitin Gadkari says plain sugar's future not bright: After E20, transport minister wants sugar mills to produce a gas that can be used in CNG vehicles and fuel that can power aircrafts
Nitin Gadkari news: Nitin Gadkari has highlighted the importance of sugar mills diversifying into producing compressed biogas and ethanol. He mentioned that value-added by-products could enhance farmers' incomes significantly. The minister noted that converting sugarcane waste into usable products could reduce fossil fuel imports. A government scheme aims to significantly increase India's CBG production in the coming years. Furthermore, this initiative could create millions of jobs and boost the rural economy over time.
A dozen ingredients show India's mounting food inflation risk
India’s everyday thali is getting costlier as weak monsoon rains, the Iran and Ukraine wars and rising demand for crops used in biofuels push up food prices. Onions are nearly 50% more expensive than a year ago and ginger has surged over 70%, adding pressure on households just as the festive season begins.
Sweet trouble: Sugar prices surge to 17-month high as govt warns mills against festival hoarding
Raw sugar futures have reached their highest level since March 2025. Strong Indian import demand and Brazilian supply disruptions are driving these gains. India has opened a tax-free import quota to meet domestic needs. The government warns mills against unjustified price increases during festivals. El Niño and oil prices also influence the global sugar market.
India looks to boost biofuel use amid rising crude supply risks
India seeks to boost biofuel use for energy security. Crude supply disruptions and rising oil prices drive this strategic shift. The nation is testing biofuel blends with diesel and gasoline. India also promotes flex-fuel vehicles to reduce import reliance. Concerns exist regarding engine performance and fuel efficiency with higher ethanol.
Govt backing flex-fuel vehicles to boost ethanol blending, says advisor to PM Tarun Kapoor
The government is supporting flexi-fuel vehicles to boost ethanol blending in petrol. This initiative aims to reduce crude oil imports and enhance energy security. New dispensing stations will be established across India over the next two years. Automobile companies are preparing to introduce flexi-fuel vehicles to the market. This move is critical amid global energy supply disruptions and rising oil prices.
Govt working to allow ethanol blending beyond E20 via flexi-fuel vehicles: PM Advisor
India plans to allow ethanol blending beyond the E20 level soon. Flexi-fuel vehicles will enable higher blending percentages for greater fuel independence. The government is also exploring biofuel additives for the diesel segment. Ethanol manufacturers are encouraged to diversify into compressed biogas production. Existing investments in the biofuels sector will face no uncertainty.
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