Ethanol Petrol Blending: India Bets on Flex-Fuel Growth
India’s Ethanol Petrol Blending programme is emerging as a major pillar of the country’s energy security strategy. With crude oil imports accounting for nearly 88.5% of India’s requirements, policymakers see Ethanol Petrol Blending as a practical route to reduce import dependence while creating an additional revenue stream for farmers. Ethanol blending has increased from just 1.5% in 2014 to 20% today, making it one of the fastest-growing biofuel initiatives globally.
The recent launch of flex-fuel motorcycles capable of operating on E20 to E85 fuel blends has provided fresh momentum to the Ethanol Petrol Blending agenda. Unlike electric vehicles, flex-fuel technology can leverage existing fuel infrastructure, allowing faster adoption without large investments in charging networks. This gives the programme an advantage in India’s vast two-wheeler market.
However, the long-term success of Ethanol Petrol Blending will depend on economics rather than policy support alone. India’s experience with natural gas has shown that consumers quickly shift away from fuels that lose their cost advantage. Ethanol remains dependent on favourable pricing, feedstock availability and agricultural output. Any reduction in its economic attractiveness could slow adoption rates.
Indian Petroplus analysis indicates that Ethanol Petrol Blending is better positioned than natural gas because it relies on domestic resources rather than imported fuel markets. While electric mobility will continue to expand, Ethanol Petrol Blending could secure a durable position in India’s transport sector if it consistently delivers savings at the fuel pump.