India Targets E85 Adoption as Automakers Begin Flex-Fuel Rollout: Hardeep Singh Puri
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has announced that India is now preparing for the adoption of E85 fuel, with domestic automakers already developing flex-fuel vehicles. The move comes after India achieved its E20 target ahead of the 2025 deadline.
Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India
Following the early completion of its 20% ethanol blending (E20) target, India is now working towards adopting higher ethanol blends, including E85. At a recent industry event, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the next step in the ethanol roadmap involves the rollout of flex-fuel vehicles that can operate on E85.
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The Minister noted that the original E20 target set for 2030 was advanced to 2025 and has already been met. This, he said, has created the foundation for progressing toward even higher blends like E25, E27, E30 and eventually E85.
Automakers Begin Prototyping E85-Compatible Vehicles
Puri confirmed that several Indian automakers have started developing prototype vehicles compatible with E85 fuel. These developments are taking place in coordination with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and other stakeholders.
The Ethanol Blending Roadmap (2020–25) has already established the framework for the E20 transition. According to the Minister, the industry has shown readiness, and consumers have accepted ethanol-blended fuel without reported issues.
Supply Chain and Feedstock Expansion
To support the increase in ethanol blending, the government has permitted the use of multiple feedstocks. Ethanol production from maize has seen rapid growth—rising from zero in 2021–22 to 42% of total supply this year.
Second-generation ethanol plants in Panipat and Numaligarh are contributing to production by processing crop residue and bamboo. This expansion aims to meet growing demand while addressing environmental concerns like stubble burning.
Economic and Energy Impact
The ethanol programme has led to significant fuel import savings. Puri said ethanol blending has saved about Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange and reduced crude oil imports by over 238 lakh metric tons over the past 11 years. The programme has also contributed Rs 1.21 lakh crore to farmer incomes through ethanol procurement.
Long-Term Plan for Higher Blends
Puri said that the push toward E85 will be gradual and based on technical standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Fiscal incentives and ongoing coordination with the automobile and fuel industries will help ensure a phased and steady transition.
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