The Government of India is planning to introduce E85 fuel at a price approximately ₹20 lower per litre than the existing E20 petrol, according to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Speaking in an interview with a private news channel, the minister said the proposed fuel will be made available only for vehicles specifically designed to operate on E85. The move is intended to provide financial relief to consumers while strengthening the country's ethanol blending programme.
Hardeep Singh Puri said the government's biofuel policy is aimed at reducing dependence on imported crude oil, promoting cleaner energy, and supporting domestic ethanol production. He also rejected concerns regarding engine damage and vehicle performance associated with ethanol-blended fuels, stating that compatible vehicles are designed to safely use higher ethanol blends.
E85 fuel contains up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petrol. Since it requires specially engineered flex-fuel vehicles, the government plans to restrict its use to such vehicles to ensure safety and performance.
The proposal is expected to encourage the adoption of cleaner fuels, reduce fuel costs for eligible consumers, and contribute to India's long-term energy security and environmental goals.
