New Delhi, June 7: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri launched E85 fuel at an IndianOil retail outlet in New Delhi on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day.
E85 is a high-ethanol blended fuel containing approximately 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The fuel is designed for use in compatible flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs).
Initial Rollout
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, E85 has initially been introduced at 48 public sector Oil Marketing Company (OMC) outlets. Authorities have indicated plans to expand availability to additional fuel stations in the coming months.
At launch, E85 was priced at approximately ₹82.12 per litre in Delhi, compared with around ₹102.12 per litre for E20 fuel. Officials stated that the pricing structure takes into account the energy characteristics of ethanol-based fuel while aiming to provide a cost-effective option for eligible vehicle owners.
The launch event was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, including Dr. Neeraj Mittal, along with representatives of public sector oil marketing companies.
Ethanol-Blending Programme
The introduction of E85 forms part of the government’s broader ethanol-blending programme aimed at increasing the use of domestically produced biofuels. According to official statements, the initiative is intended to support energy diversification, reduce dependence on imported crude oil, and promote the use of alternative fuels.
Government officials have also stated that increased ethanol production could provide additional opportunities for the agricultural sector through demand for feedstocks used in ethanol manufacturing.
Flex-Fuel Vehicle Ecosystem
E85 can only be used in vehicles specifically designed as flex-fuel vehicles. Such vehicles are engineered to operate on varying blends of ethanol and petrol.
Officials stated that the fuel rollout is aligned with efforts to develop a broader flex-fuel ecosystem under prescribed fuel standards and vehicle compatibility requirements.
India’s Biofuel Strategy
The launch follows the expansion of E20 fuel availability across the country as part of India’s ethanol-blending roadmap. The government has outlined plans to further increase the role of biofuels within the country’s energy mix while supporting the development of compatible vehicle technologies.
Authorities have clarified that E85 is intended exclusively for approved flex-fuel vehicles and should not be used in conventional petrol vehicles that are not designed for higher ethanol blends.
The government has described the initiative as part of its broader efforts to strengthen domestic energy resources, support cleaner fuel alternatives, and expand consumer fuel choices.
