E85 Fuel Launched at ₹82.12 Per Litre: Price, Benefits and Vehicle Compatibility Explained
E85 Fuel Launched at ₹82.12 Per Litre: Price, Benefits and Vehicle Compatibility Explained
June 6, 2026: India has launched E85 fuel in Delhi, a major step towards alternative fuels. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the capital’s first E85 dispensing station at Indian Oil’s Pusa Road outlet, making the high-ethanol fuel commercially available for consumers.
E85 fuel, which contains up to 85% ethanol and 15% petrol, has been introduced at a price of ₹82.12 per litre in Delhi. The fuel is around ₹20 cheaper than regular petrol, making it a potentially attractive option for owners of compatible vehicles.
The launch is part of the government’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and promote cleaner fuel alternatives. Higher ethanol blending is also expected to support domestic ethanol production and provide additional income opportunities for farmers supplying crops such as sugarcane and maize.
However, E85 fuel cannot be used in regular petrol vehicles. It is designed only for flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), which are equipped with modified engines and fuel systems capable of handling higher ethanol blends. Experts warn that using E85 in ordinary petrol vehicles could lead to performance issues and possible engine damage.
India is still in the early stages of flex-fuel vehicle adoption. Some manufacturers have already showcased or introduced compatible models, including flex-fuel versions of the Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Hero Splendor+, Hero HF Deluxe and Suzuki Gixxer SF.
The government plans to gradually expand E85 fuel availability. Around 50 to 100 E85 fuel stations are expected to be set up across Delhi-NCR and the Mumbai-Pune-Nagpur corridor in the initial phase. The network is targeted to grow to nearly 500 stations by the end of 2026 and around 5,000 outlets by the end of 2027.
Industry experts say the success of E85 will depend on fuel availability, the number of compatible vehicles on the road and whether motorists see meaningful savings in day-to-day running costs. While ethanol-based fuel is cheaper at the pump, it generally delivers lower fuel efficiency than conventional petrol.
The launch of E85 marks another milestone in India’s ethanol-blending programme and signals the country’s intention to expand the use of alternative fuels in the transportation sector.
