14 June,2026 01:10 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. Pic/X
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday announced that the government has approved the use of 100 per cent ethanol as fuel, a move aimed at reducing India's dependence on imported fossil fuels and accelerating the transition towards cleaner and alternative energy sources.
The minister made the announcement during a press conference in Nagpur while highlighting key achievements of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the past 12 years.
Gadkari said he had signed the necessary regulatory file on Saturday evening, paving the way for the legal use of 100 per cent ethanol as an automotive fuel in India.
"Last night at 8 pm, I signed the file, finalising the regulations to legally authorise the use of 100 per cent ethanol," the minister said.
The decision is expected to support the government's broader efforts to reduce crude oil imports, improve energy security and promote cleaner fuel alternatives.
The minister reiterated his long-standing support for ethanol as a viable substitute for conventional fossil fuels.
According to Gadkari, widespread adoption of ethanol-based fuels could significantly reduce India's fuel import bill, which currently accounts for a substantial portion of the country's import expenditure.
Recalling earlier discussions on the subject, he said the idea of large-scale ethanol adoption had initially been met with scepticism.
"I used to talk about this dream, and people used to laugh. Some friends even used to criticise it," Gadkari remarked.
He added that technological advancements and growing industry participation have now made ethanol-powered mobility a realistic option.
Gadkari said several leading automobile manufacturers are preparing to introduce vehicles capable of running on 100 per cent ethanol fuel.
According to the minister, companies including Toyota, Suzuki, MG and Hyundai are expected to launch ethanol-compatible models within the next six weeks.
The rollout of such vehicles is likely to play a crucial role in the adoption of ethanol fuel, as conventional petrol vehicles are generally not designed to operate on pure ethanol.
Industry experts believe the availability of flex-fuel and ethanol-compatible vehicles will be essential for the success of the government's alternative fuel strategy.
The announcement comes shortly after the government introduced E85 fuel for flex-fuel vehicles designed to operate on higher ethanol blends.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently highlighted India's progress in ethanol blending, stating that the country has surpassed its targets ahead of schedule.
According to Puri, ethanol blending in petrol increased from 1.5 per cent in 2014 to 10 per cent by November 2022. The government's target of achieving 20 per cent ethanol blending by 2030 was accomplished six years ahead of schedule in 2024.
Officials have described the achievement as a significant milestone in India's efforts to reduce reliance on imported crude oil and lower carbon emissions.
Puri said the government is continuing discussions with automobile manufacturers and industry bodies regarding the expansion of ethanol-based fuel infrastructure.
He noted that consultations are being held with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and other stakeholders to facilitate the wider adoption of ethanol-compatible technologies.
The recent introduction of E85 fuel marks another step in that direction. However, officials have clarified that E85 fuel can currently be used only in vehicles specifically designed to operate on such fuel blends.
The Centre views ethanol as a key component of its long-term strategy to diversify energy sources, reduce emissions and support domestic agricultural production.
Ethanol is primarily produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane and maize, providing an additional source of income for farmers while contributing to energy security.
With the approval of 100 per cent ethanol fuel and the expected launch of compatible vehicles, the government hopes to accelerate the shift towards alternative fuels and reduce India's dependence on imported petroleum products in the coming years.
(With inputs from IANS)
