India’s ethanol programme recorded strong growth during ESY 2025-26 with maize emerging as the leading feedstock, supporting higher blending targets and clean energy expansion.

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• India’s cumulative ethanol supplies crossed nearly 515 crore litres during the first six months of Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26.
• Maize emerged as the country’s largest ethanol feedstock with approximately 182 crore litres supplied during the reported assessment period.
• Grain-based distilleries contributed around 333 crore litres, highlighting India’s transition towards a diversified and scalable biofuel production ecosystem.
• Industry experts stated that maize-based ethanol supports year-round availability, lower water consumption, and improved supply chain stability for future blending goals.
• Surplus rice and surplus food grains contributed nearly 125 crore litres while damaged food grains supplied around 26 crore litres of ethanol.
• Sugarcane-based distilleries supplied approximately 182 crore litres with sugarcane juice contributing the highest share within the category.
• Monthly ethanol supplies crossed 102 crore litres in December 2025 while March and April 2026 also recorded strong production momentum.
• Industry leaders said India’s ethanol blending programme is becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing biofuel initiatives supporting energy security and rural investment.