India has introduced E85 fuel containing 85% ethanol to reduce crude oil imports, support farmers, and accelerate the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation systems.

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• India has launched E85 fuel, a high-ethanol blend containing 85% ethanol and 15% petrol to reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
• The initiative was introduced as part of the country’s clean energy strategy to strengthen energy security and promote sustainable mobility solutions.
• E85 fuel is designed for Flex-Fuel Vehicles that can operate efficiently on varying ethanol and petrol blend ratios.
• The rollout marks the next stage of India’s ethanol blending program following the successful nationwide implementation of E20 fuel.
• The fuel is initially being made available at select stations in major cities including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
• E85 is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using ethanol derived from renewable agricultural sources.
• The initiative aims to support farmers by increasing demand for sugarcane, maize, rice, and other biomass-based feedstocks.
• The government has positioned E85 fuel as a long-term step toward reducing oil imports, enhancing rural income, and promoting green energy adoption.