After Petrol-Diesel Hikes, Centre Launches E85 Fuel At Rs 20 Lower Price Than Petrol
After Petrol-Diesel Hikes, Centre Launches E85 Fuel At Rs 20 Lower Price Than Petrol
The government has launched E85 fuel for flex-fuel vehicles, offering it at a price nearly Rs 20 per litre lower than regular petrol as part of its push towards cleaner and more self-reliant energy sources.
After the launch of E20 petrol, India has now introduced E85 fuel, a high-ethanol blend designed specifically for flex-fuel vehicles. The fuel was officially launched on June 5, World Environment Day, by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri at an Indian Oil fuel station in Delhi.
E85 fuel contains 85% ethanol and 15% petrol, making it one of the highest ethanol-blended automotive fuels introduced in the country. According to the government, the fuel will be sold at approximately Rs 20 per litre less than regular petrol, offering a significant cost advantage for eligible vehicle owners.
In Delhi, E85 has been priced at around Rs 82.12 per litre compared to the prevailing petrol price of Rs 102.12 per litre. However, the fuel can only be used in flex-fuel vehicles and is not compatible with conventional petrol-powered vehicles.
The rollout has begun at 48 public sector fuel stations across the country, including the Indian Oil outlet on Pusa Road in Delhi where the launch took place. The Petroleum Ministry plans to expand availability in phases.
The government aims to increase the number of E85 outlets to 500 petrol pumps by December 2026 and further expand the network to 5,000 outlets by December 2027. The move is intended to support the wider adoption of flex-fuel vehicles in India.
Recent vehicle launches indicate growing industry interest in the technology. Hero MotoCorp has introduced flex-fuel motorcycles, while Maruti Suzuki has showcased a flex-fuel version of the WagonR capable of operating on E85 fuel.
Speaking at the launch, Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted India’s progress in ethanol blending. He noted that ethanol blending in petrol has increased from just 1.53% in 2014 to 20% today, achieving the target five years ahead of schedule. According to the government, the programme has helped save more than Rs 1.84 lakh crore in foreign exchange and reduced crude oil imports by around 302 lakh metric tonnes.
The minister said the initiative is expected to increase India’s overall ethanol blending level to approximately 26% by 2030-31, while also creating new income opportunities for farmers. He described the transition as a step towards energy self-reliance, cleaner fuel usage and strengthening the rural economy.
Officials emphasised that the Rs 20 per litre price benefit applies only to flex-fuel vehicles. These vehicles are engineered to run on fuel blends ranging from E20 to E100 and are equipped with systems that automatically adjust engine performance according to ethanol content.
The launch of E85 marks another milestone in India’s alternative fuel strategy as the country seeks to reduce dependence on imported crude oil while promoting cleaner transportation options.
Disclaimer: Fuel prices, vehicle compatibility and availability may vary by location. Consumers should verify whether their vehicle supports E85 fuel before use and check with local fuel stations for availability.
