India has introduced E85 fuel for compatible flex-fuel vehicles and achieved its 20 per cent ethanol blending target six years ahead of schedule, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said. The government is now consulting the automobile industry on expanding ethanol-based fuels while accelerating energy self-reliance through biofuels, domestic production and renewable energy.
✅ India introduces E85 fuel for E85-compatible flex-fuel vehicles.
✅ Ethanol blending increased from 1.5% in 2014 to 20% in 2024.
✅ Government achieved the 20% ethanol blending target six years ahead of schedule.
✅ Extensive consultations underway with SIAM and automobile manufacturers.
✅ Rs 90,000 crore allocated under Samudra Manthan initiative for energy production.
✅ Petrol prices remain lower than four years ago due to excise duty cuts.
✅ LPG subsidy eligibility revised to prevent misuse of subsidised cylinders.
New Delhi, June 11: The government has launched E85 fuel for E85-compatible flex-fuel vehicles and is holding extensive consultations with the automobile industry regarding the future expansion of ethanol-based fuels, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Wednesday.
In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Puri highlighted India’s remarkable progress in ethanol blending, noting that the country has surpassed its targets much earlier than originally planned.
According to the minister, ethanol blending in petrol has increased from just 1.5 per cent in 2014 to 10 per cent by November 2022, while the government’s ambitious target of achieving 20 per cent ethanol blending by 2030 was successfully accomplished in 2024 itself.
“From 2014 until now, we have increased ethanol blending from 1.5 per cent to 10 per cent, which was achieved in November 2022. Our target was to achieve 20 per cent blending by 2030, but we completed it in 2024 itself,” Puri said.
The minister further revealed that the government is engaged in wide-ranging discussions with stakeholders, including the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and other industry bodies, to explore the future roadmap for higher ethanol usage in transportation.
“We are having very widespread discussions with the industry, including SIAM and other organisations. Meanwhile, we have introduced E85 fuel. However, E85 has been introduced only for E85-compatible flex-fuel vehicles,” he added.
E85 fuel, which contains up to 85 per cent ethanol blended with petrol, is considered an important step toward reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and promoting cleaner transportation solutions.
On India’s broader energy roadmap, Puri emphasized that the country is steadily moving toward energy self-reliance through increased domestic oil and gas exploration, higher biofuel adoption and expanding renewable energy capacity.
The minister also highlighted the Samudra Manthan initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under which Rs 90,000 crore has been earmarked for drilling new wells and strengthening domestic energy production capabilities.
Addressing concerns over fuel prices, Puri stated that petrol prices in Delhi remain lower than levels recorded four years ago despite fluctuations in international crude oil markets.
He attributed this to multiple reductions in excise duties on petrol and diesel by the Central government in November 2021, May 2022 and subsequent rounds of tax cuts. Several BJP-governed states have also reduced VAT on fuels to provide relief to consumers.
Responding to concerns over the reduction in subsidised LPG cylinders under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the minister said the move was aimed at preventing misuse of government subsidies.
According to Puri, authorities received reports indicating that some beneficiaries were diverting subsidised LPG cylinders for commercial activities or reselling them despite not requiring the full allocation.
He reiterated that the government’s objective is to ensure welfare benefits reach genuine beneficiaries while improving transparency and efficiency in subsidy distribution.
India’s introduction of E85 fuel and the achievement of the 20 per cent ethanol blending target ahead of schedule mark significant milestones in the country’s clean energy transition. With continued collaboration between the government and automobile industry, along with investments in domestic energy production and renewable resources, India is strengthening its path toward energy security and self-reliance.
FAQ Section
Q1. What is E85 fuel?
E85 is a fuel blend containing up to 85% ethanol and 15% petrol, designed specifically for compatible flex-fuel vehicles.
Q2. Who can use E85 fuel in India?
Only E85-compatible flex-fuel vehicles can currently use E85 fuel.
Q3. What is India’s current ethanol blending level?
India achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol in 2024.
Q4. When was the 20% ethanol blending target originally scheduled to be achieved?
The target was originally set for 2030 but was achieved six years ahead of schedule in 2024.
Q5. What is the Samudra Manthan initiative?
It is a government initiative under which Rs 90,000 crore has been allocated to strengthen domestic oil and gas exploration and energy production.
