New Delhi, June 04: India is set to accelerate the adoption of ethanol-based mobility with the rollout of up to 100 E85 fuel dispensing stations across major urban centres, including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to expand flex-fuel infrastructure and reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
Speaking at the launch of the Maruti Suzuki WagonR Flex Fuel, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said E85 fuel, which contains up to 85 per cent ethanol, has been designated as the mono-fuel standard for flex-fuel vehicles under Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications.
E85 Network Expansion Planned in Phases
According to Puri, the government will implement the E85 fuel infrastructure rollout in a phased manner.
The first phase will see the establishment of up to 100 E85 dispensing stations across strategic urban corridors. The network is expected to expand to 500 stations by December 2026 and further scale up to 5,000 outlets across major cities by the end of 2027.
The expansion is aimed at creating a robust refuelling ecosystem for flex-fuel vehicles and encouraging greater consumer adoption of ethanol-powered transportation.
Government Positions E85 as a Cleaner Fuel Alternative
The Petroleum Minister highlighted E85 as one of the cleanest fuel options currently available and said it compares favorably with several alternative mobility solutions, including electric vehicles, in terms of emissions reduction and sustainability.
The government’s push for flex-fuel technology is part of India’s larger clean energy transition strategy, which includes ethanol blending, biofuels, green hydrogen, and electric mobility initiatives.
Flex-Fuel Adoption Could Boost Farmer Income
Puri said the shift toward flex-fuel vehicles has expanded beyond the two-wheeler segment and is now gaining momentum among passenger vehicles.
According to government estimates, if 50 per cent of new two-wheeler and four-wheeler sales transition to flex-fuel technology, the country could generate an additional ethanol demand of 311.8 crore litres annually.
Such demand could provide nearly Rs 12,403 crore in additional income for farmers while reducing carbon emissions by approximately 66.4 lakh metric tonnes.
He emphasized that increased ethanol production would not only help reduce India’s fuel import dependence but also create new income opportunities for farmers.
“This not only helps lower our energy import bill but also empowers our farmers with an additional and sustainable source of income, transforming them from the nation’s Annadatas into Urjadatas as well,” Puri said.
More Automakers Expected to Enter Flex-Fuel Segment
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who attended the event, expressed confidence that more automobile manufacturers would introduce flex-fuel vehicles in the coming years as India accelerates its transition toward cleaner transportation technologies.
Industry observers believe wider vehicle availability, coupled with expanded fuel infrastructure, will be crucial for the success of India’s flex-fuel roadmap.
Push Comes Amid High Global Oil Prices
The government’s renewed focus on ethanol-based fuels comes at a time when global crude oil prices remain elevated due to geopolitical uncertainties.
Puri noted that despite volatility in international energy markets and rising fuel costs worldwide, India has experienced comparatively lower fuel price increases than several countries, including Japan.
Officials believe expanding the use of domestically produced ethanol can help improve India’s energy security while insulating the economy from fluctuations in global oil markets.
Key Highlights
- India to launch up to 100 E85 fuel stations in the first phase.
- E85 outlets planned across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
- Network to expand to 500 stations by December 2026.
- Government targets 5,000 E85 outlets nationwide by end-2027.
- E85 contains up to 85% ethanol and is approved under BIS standards.
- Flex-fuel adoption could create demand for 311.8 crore litres of ethanol.
- Farmers could gain an additional Rs 12,403 crore in income.
- Carbon emissions could decline by nearly 66.4 lakh metric tonnes.
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