India has introduced E85 fuel, a new blend containing 85% ethanol and 15% petrol, as part of its efforts to reduce crude oil imports and promote cleaner transport. The fuel will be priced around ₹20 per litre cheaper than regular petrol.
The move is part of the government’s broader ethanol blending programme aimed at improving energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Officials say greater use of ethanol can help lower India’s fuel import bill while supporting farmers and the domestic biofuel industry.
E85 can only be used in flex-fuel vehicles, which are designed to run on higher ethanol blends. Several automobile manufacturers are preparing to launch flex-fuel models in India as the government pushes for alternative fuel options.
The government believes E85 will help reduce vehicle emissions because ethanol is a renewable fuel produced from agricultural feedstock such as sugarcane. Higher ethanol use is expected to lower the transport sector’s carbon footprint compared to conventional petrol.
India has made significant progress in ethanol blending in recent years and has achieved key targets ahead of schedule. The launch of E85 is seen as the next step in expanding the country’s biofuel ecosystem.
The introduction of E85 aligns with India’s wider strategy to diversify energy sources through biofuels, electric vehicles and other cleaner alternatives. The government hopes the new fuel will contribute to lower emissions, reduced fuel costs and greater energy independence in the years ahead.
Experts say the success of E85 will depend on the availability of flex-fuel vehicles and the expansion of fuel distribution infrastructure. Consumer awareness and access to refuelling stations will also play an important role in driving adoption.
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