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India to Allow E85/E100, Cut Petroleum Imports.

4/29/2026

Summary

India Boosts Ethanol

India notified on April 29, 2026 that the Central Motor Vehicles Rules will be amended to allow higher ethanol blends such as E85 and E100.
The ministry drafted the changes, opened them for public comment, and aims to let vehicles built for E85/E100 use those fuels.
Officials say the plan, after reaching a 20% ethanol blend in 2025, seeks to cut petroleum imports, lower fuel costs and boost energy sustainability.

Summary

Gadkari pushes hydrogen

Minister Nitin Gadkari told Busworld India 2026 that petrol and diesel vehicles have no future in transport sector and warned India spends INR22 lakh crore on imported fossil fuels, urging a shift to indigenous alternatives.
The ministry is piloting hydrogen trucks and buses on ten routes with Tata Motors and Volvo.
It is also developing flex-fuel engines that run on ethanol from broken rice, corn, bamboo, rice straw, sugarcane and molasses.

Summary

Ministry Endorses Ethanol

Vehicles built from 2012 to March 2023 for E10 may lose 1–2% mileage with E20.
SIAM has asked for tax incentives on E10 and E20 fuels to offset the loss.
Petroleum Ministry Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said ethanol blending “an idea whose time has arrived” and noted consultations on testing norms.
Experts suggest separate dispensers for ethanol blends while automakers’ Flex Fuel Vehicle prototypes face launch delays because testing rules remain pending.

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India Boosts Ethanol

India notified on April 29, 2026 that the Central Motor Vehicles Rules will be amended to allow higher ethanol blends such as E85 and E100.
The ministry drafted the changes, opened them for public comment, and aims to let vehicles built for E85/E100 use those fuels.
Officials say the plan, after reaching a 20% ethanol blend in 2025, seeks to cut petroleum imports, lower fuel costs and boost energy sustainability.

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