New Delhi: India has taken another step in its biofuel transition with the launch of E85 fuel, as the government seeks to accelerate the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri formally launched E85 fuel at an Indian Oil Corporation fuel station in New Delhi on World Environment Day. The event was attended by representatives from public sector oil marketing companies, automobile manufacturers and industry bodies. A flex-fuel Toyota Innova capable of operating on E85 was also showcased, ANI reported.
Speaking at the launch, Puri said E85 represents the next phase of India’s biofuel programme following the successful rollout of E20 petrol and the achievement of the country’s 20 percent ethanol blending target ahead of schedule.
The minister emphasized that E85 and E20 are designed for different categories of vehicles. While E20 can be used in vehicles compatible with up to 20 percent ethanol blending, E85 contains 80-85 percent ethanol and is intended exclusively for flex-fuel vehicles. He clarified that the introduction of E85 does not affect existing E20-compatible or conventional petrol vehicles, which will continue to remain in use.
According to the government, E85 fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 61 percent compared with conventional petrol while also supporting domestic ethanol production and strengthening India’s energy security.
Puri said the shift toward higher ethanol blends is aimed at reducing pollution, lowering crude oil imports and creating additional income opportunities for farmers through increased demand for ethanol feedstocks.
The government plans to rapidly expand E85 availability across major cities. Between 50 and 100 E85 dispensing stations are expected to become operational in the coming weeks in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Bengaluru. The network is targeted to grow to around 500 stations by the end of 2026 and approximately 5,000 stations by the end of 2027.
To encourage adoption, E85 fuel will be priced about ₹20 per litre lower than E20 fuel. The government expects owners of compatible two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers to benefit from lower operating costs while contributing to reduced emissions.
The minister noted that ethanol blending has already delivered significant economic benefits, helping India save an estimated ₹1.85 lakh crore in foreign exchange and reducing crude oil imports by around 32 lakh metric tonnes.
He also highlighted the rapid expansion of clean energy infrastructure over the past decade, including growth in LPG coverage and the ongoing development of a nationwide natural gas pipeline network.
With the launch of E85 and the emergence of flex-fuel vehicle options from manufacturers, the government is now focusing on building a nationwide ecosystem that can support higher ethanol blends while advancing India’s goals of energy security, lower emissions and greater farmer participation in the biofuel economy.
