Overview
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified amendments on October 23 that add E100 alongside E85 in emission, fuel‑specification and testing provisions of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
- The notification makes clear that E85 and E100 may be used only in vehicles specifically designed and certified by original equipment manufacturers and does not allow conventional petrol cars to switch to these fuels.
- Retail availability of high‑ethanol fuels is limited today but the petroleum ministry plans to expand E85 outlets from 48 to about 500 by December 2026 and roughly 5,000 by December 2027.
- Early market signals show low uptake: Maruti’s Wagon R Flex Fuel has sold only a few dozen units and industry groups say wider adoption needs coordinated supply, procurement and dispensing systems.
- The government frames the move as a way to cut crude imports and support farmers, yet experts warn that ethanol’s climate benefits depend on feedstock and production and that Brazil’s long transition shows infrastructure and consumer trust take years to build.