India is set to launch around 100 E85 fuel stations in major urban areas like the National Capital Region, Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur to promote the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles, according to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. E85 is a fuel blend with up to 85% ethanol, identified as the standard for flex-fuel vehicles under Bureau of Indian Standards specifications.
The plan includes expanding the number of E85 dispensing stations to 500 by December 2026 and further scaling up to 5,000 outlets in major cities by the end of 2027. This move signifies a significant shift in India’s mobility landscape, extending flex-fuel technology from two-wheelers to four-wheelers.
Petroleum Minister Puri highlighted the potential benefits of transitioning 50% of new two-wheeler and four-wheeler sales to flex-fuel vehicles, projecting increased ethanol demand, additional income for farmers, and a reduction in carbon emissions. The initiative aims to not only reduce the energy import bill but also provide farmers with a sustainable income source, transforming them into energy providers.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari expressed expectations for more automobile manufacturers to enter the flex-fuel segment as India progresses towards cleaner mobility solutions. The move towards E85 fuel comes amidst rising global crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions, impacting fuel prices in India.
