MAIZE BASED 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.
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.
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.
Ethanol supplies top 987 crore litres by September, grain feedstocks lead: AIDA
By the end of September, India's cumulative ethanol receipts reached 987 crore litres in the current supply year. Grain-based feedstocks accounted for over 71 percent of total ethanol receipts during this period. Maize was the largest contributor, supplying 413 crore litres, while surplus rice contributed 222 crore litres. Sugar-based feedstocks also provided significant amounts, fulfilling nearly all of their allocations.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Smart rice policy would be nice
In the 2026-27 cycle, India's rice production is projected to fall by 6.5% compared to the previous year, largely due to monsoon rainfall being 15% below the seasonal average. This shortfall poses significant challenges for farmers, likely leading to financial hardship as both yields and cultivated areas decline. However, with high existing stockpiles, domestic markets may not face critical shortages.
Grain-based feedstocks power nearly 70% of India’s ethanol supplies in 2025-26
Grain-based feedstocks now supply nearly seventy percent of India's ethanol. Maize and surplus FCI rice are leading grain contributors to this supply. Sugar-based feedstocks also provide a substantial and important share of ethanol. India's ethanol capacity is expanding, requiring new utilization avenues. Future uses include Flex-Fuel Vehicles and Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Government should adopt flexible approach to ethanol-blended petrol programme: ICRIER paper
A research paper recommends flexibility in India's ethanol blending program targets. It suggests maintaining E20 as a long-term goal while allowing temporary E15 reductions. This approach would respond to agricultural shocks and manage economic costs effectively. The paper advocates for a flexible feedstock strategy to avoid food market pressure.
India’s farm policy needs a reset amid concerns over ethanol push, subsidies: Agri expert Devinder Sharma
Sharma warns that ethanol-led changes in cropping patterns may create an environmental problem over the longer term.
Low inventories, El Nino to keep sugar market tight through FY27: DAM Capital
The Indian sugar sector is likely to remain in a tight-supply situation through FY27 and possibly beyond, with low inventories, weather risks and firm global prices expected to keep domestic sugar prices elevated, according to a research report by DAM Capital Advisors.
Sunny side down? Egg prices rise on ethanol push
Rising diversion of maize to ethanol production has significantly increased poultry feed costs, leading to a 35-40% surge in egg prices over the past year. Maize prices have nearly doubled in three years, impacting the poultry industry which relies on it for 65-70% of its production costs. Experts anticipate further price increases as winter demand rises and maize diversion for ethanol is projected to grow.
India’s ethanol supplies top 800 crore litres as grain-based share rises to 76%: AIDA
A total of 93 crore litres of ethanol was supplied during July, taking cumulative supplies beyond the 800-crore-litre milestone.
Rice use for ethanol may rise as maize, sugarcane acreage falls this Kharif season
India is set to ramp up rice utilization for ethanol production this year, amid reduced planting of maize and sugarcane, raising concerns about feedstock availability. Fortunately, the government maintains a healthy stock of rice, offering a safety net. With sugar prices soaring to unprecedented levels due to crop output fears, this strategy aligns with India's ambitious goal of achieving a 20% ethanol blending ratio.
Farmers in flood-prone Kosi in Bihar see a pot of gold in E20
Maize cultivation has significantly boosted incomes in Bihar's Kosi plains. Farmers are now earning double their previous earnings from this crop. The ethanol industry and poultry feed demand are major drivers. This agricultural shift has spurred rural economic growth and development. Farmers now seek government support for assured procurement at MSP.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh slams government on E20 rollout, says motivations clearly not environmental
Congress criticizes the E20 fuel rollout, questioning its environmental motivations. The party highlights significant water usage for ethanol production from crops. This policy places considerable stress on India's vital water resources. Congress also points to subsidies for rice used in ethanol production. The opposition asserts that the rollout benefits producers, not consumers.
Government to consider farmers' views on ethanol policy: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met farmers regarding the ethanol blending petrol policy. The government aims for farmers to receive the largest share of ethanol program benefits. Discussions focused on ensuring fair prices and demand for various crop feedstocks. Farmers expressed support for the ethanol program and clarified misconceptions about its impact. Both sides agreed to collaborate on strengthening the policy-making process for farmers' interests.
Maize emerges as India’s top ethanol feedstock as supplies surpass 515 crore litres
India's cumulative ethanol supplies reached approximately 515 crore litres in the first half of ESY 2025-26, with maize emerging as the largest feedstock.
Economic Survey flags risks of biofuel incentives on cropping patterns
The Economic Survey warns that India's biofuel mandates, particularly for ethanol, risk distorting cropping patterns and food prices. While the program has saved foreign exchange and boosted farmer income, administered pricing favors maize, leading to its sharp rise while pulses and oilseeds stagnate. This shift threatens agricultural diversity and food security.
Economic Survey 2026: Ethanol push risks squeezing pulses, oilseeds
India's ethanol program has saved billions in foreign exchange. However, government policies favoring maize for ethanol are pushing farmers away from vital pulses and oilseeds. This shift raises serious concerns about the nation's food security and nutritional needs. The Economic Survey highlights this growing tension between energy self-reliance and food stability.
Biofuel push fuels kitchen heat: Wheat prices rise as maize diverted to ethanol
India's biofuel push, particularly E20 fuel, is impacting food prices. Wheat and its products have seen a 10% price increase due to maize diversion for ethanol production. The cheaper maize-based animal feed by-product is suppressing wheat bran prices, forcing millers to raise prices of staples like atta, maida and suji.
India's biofuel drive pecks at chicken farmer profits
India's ambitious biofuel program, aimed at reducing oil imports, is inadvertently impacting small poultry farmers. The rising demand for maize in ethanol production has led to soaring feed prices, squeezing the margins of farmers like Satyadev Prajapati, who are struggling to maintain egg production.
Maize diversion for ethanol raises poultry feed, edible oil prices, sparking concerns for sugar industry, soybean farmers
Maize, diverted for ethanol production, has caused poultry feed costs to go up, impacted cooking oil prices, and reduced oilseed farmers' profits. The ethanol program has led to consequences like increased maize imports and declining revenues for sugar industry, highlighting the complex trade-offs of biofuel policies.
Govt allows Nafed, NCCF to sell maize to ethanol makers at base rate of Rs 2,291/quintal
Nafed and National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) will procure maize at a minimum support price of Rs 2,090 per quintal in the 2023-24 crop year and supply to the distilleries at a mutually agreed rate of Rs 2,291 per quintal, a senior food ministry official told PTI.
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