Industry body urges policy clarity and inter-ministerial coordination to scale ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent and accelerate flex-fuel vehicle rollout across India

The Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (Gema) has called on the government to accelerate the rollout of higher ethanol blends in petrol and fast-track the nationwide adoption of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) to align India’s biofuel strategy with global standards and support the country’s net-zero targets.

Following India’s achievement of the 20 per cent ethanol blending target under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, Gema said the next phase must focus on advancing to higher blends, in line with Brazil’s model of progressive ethanol integration. Brazil currently blends up to 27 per cent ethanol with petrol, replacing more than half of its conventional fuel use through flex-fuel technology.

Dr C.K. Jain, President of Gema, said there was an immediate need to enhance ethanol blending within the tolerance limits of existing vehicles to provide “some relief” to the domestic ethanol industry. “The roadmap for ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent must be clear, ambitious, and supported by a forward-looking policy framework,” he said.

He added that the industry had already made significant investments to meet higher blending requirements and was ready to collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen distribution infrastructure. However, Dr Jain cautioned that timely government action and coordination among ministries would be crucial to sustain progress.

According to Gema, higher ethanol blending could help reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and lower India’s oil import bill. The association noted that wider use of biofuels would also benefit rural economies by increasing demand for feedstocks such as sugarcane, maize, and surplus rice.

The body stressed that the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles would require developing appropriate engine standards, upgrading fueling infrastructure, and conducting public awareness campaigns to ensure consumer acceptance.

Abhinav Singal, Treasurer of Gema, said a “cohesive approach involving relevant ministries and all stakeholders is essential to build a sustainable and economically viable biofuel ecosystem.”

Gema reiterated its commitment to work with policymakers and industry partners to advance India’s ethanol roadmap and promote wider adoption of flex-fuel technology, viewing it as a key element in achieving the country’s 2070 net-zero emissions goal.