Indian ethanol manufacturers have welcomed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)’s plans to increase the quantum of biofuel that can be blended with fossil fuels in automobiles. The draft notification issued by the ministry seeks to update emission standards for higher biofuel blends with plans to introduce E85 (85% ethanol) and E100 (near-pure ethanol) fuels into the automotive ecosystem.

Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) termed the move as a timely and forward-looking step towards strengthening India’s clean mobility framework. “The progression from E85 to E100 provides regulatory provisions for certifying vehicles capable of running on pure ethanol, signalling a clear shift towards mainstreaming indigenous biofuels. This development strengthens India’s push towards energy security and Atmanirbhar Bharat, while advancing the shift to cleaner fuels, leveraging India’s existing ethanol ecosystem”, Deepak Ballani, director general, ISMA said. “It also has far-reaching impact across the value chain, from boosting rural incomes to reinforcing India’s position in the global transition towards sustainable mobility”

The Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA) also found the draft notification by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to be a progressive and forward-looking step for India’s biofuel ecosystem. “The formal inclusion of E85 and E100 in emission norms is a strong policy signal that the country is ready to move beyond E20 and embrace higher ethanol blends in a structured and regulated manner”, C.K. Jain, president, GEMA said.

According to him, the development opens up significant opportunities for the grain-based ethanol industry to scale production, drive investments, and contribute more meaningfully to India’s energy security and decarbonisation goals. It also reinforces confidence among stakeholders across the value chain, from farmers to fuel producers and automobile manufacturers, he said.

“We particularly welcome the government’s intent to align regulatory frameworks with evolving fuel technologies, including higher ethanol and biodiesel blends. As India continues its journey toward reducing crude oil imports, such enabling policies will play a critical role in accelerating the transition to cleaner, domestically produced fuels”, Jain said.

Higher ethanol blends such as E85 and E100 are expected to significantly enhance demand for raw materials, thereby strengthening farm incomes and creating a more resilient agri-value chain.