India To Achieve 20% Ethanol Compliance By October 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the stage at the India Energy Week conference in Delhi and pledged that India will reach 20 percent ethanol blending in gasoline by October 2025, with E20 compliance rules expected to take effect in the upcoming months. In India, 19% ethanol is now added to gasoline, which has “saved foreign exchange,” produced “substantial farmer revenue,” and “significantly reduced CO2 emissions.
Ethanol is a primary biofuel produced either through the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or petrochemical processes like ethylene hydration. An E20 fuel blend comprises 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol. E20-compliant engines come equipped with reinforced components, as ethanol can corrode rubber and soft metal parts over time.
The government is championing ethanol blending to reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and boost the incomes of sugarcane and maize farmers. Moreover, it is also considering a roadmap for ethanol blending beyond 20 percent in petrol. One of the main biofuels is ethanol, which is made by petrochemical processes like ethylene hydration or by yeasts fermenting sugars. An E20 fuel blend is made up of 80% gasoline and 20% ethanol. Because ethanol gradually corrodes rubber and soft metal parts, E20-compliant engines include strengthened sections.
In order to lessen India’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and increase the incomes of farmers who grow maize and sugarcane, the government is supporting ethanol blending. Additionally, a roadmap for mixing more than 20% ethanol in gasoline is being considered.
India’s push for E20 compliance is a crucial step toward reducing fossil fuel dependency, boosting farmer incomes, and cutting carbon emissions. With 19 percent ethanol already blended in petrol, the government is confident of achieving the 20 percent target before October 2025. Automakers, including Honda, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and others, are ensuring their engines meet E20 standards by reinforcing components to withstand ethanol’s corrosive effects. Ethanol blending not only supports the agricultural sector but also saves foreign exchange by reducing fuel imports. Looking ahead, India is exploring ethanol blending beyond 20 percent, signaling a long-term commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
