India Moves to Enable Higher Ethanol Fuel Use in Vehicles

India has proposed new rules to allow vehicles to run on higher ethanol-blended fuels, as part of efforts to cut reliance on imported oil. The draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules include provisions for fuels such as E85 (85% ethanol) and E100, which is nearly pure ethanol.

The proposal, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has been opened for public feedback before a final decision is made. If implemented, the rules would formally support vehicles designed to operate on these higher ethanol blends, expanding the country’s alternative fuel ecosystem.

The move follows India’s achievement of its E20 target—20% ethanol blending in petrol—in 2025. By pushing toward higher blends, the government aims to further reduce petroleum imports, lower costs, and strengthen energy sustainability.

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