Freedom from expensive petrol! Government gives green signal to 100% pure ethanol, tension of driving will be halved
A significant development has emerged for millions of drivers across India. In a historic move to reduce pollution and decrease the country’s dependence on expensive imported petrol and diesel, the Central Government has announced a major policy shift. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari made this announcement during a press conference in Nagpur on Saturday, June 13, 2026, revealing that the government has officially approved the use of 100% pure ethanol (E100) as vehicle fuel in the country.
The Union Minister stated that he has signed off on government files that finalize all necessary rules and regulations for this historic decision. This move will significantly reduce India’s substantial expenditure on crude oil imports from abroad. Additionally, citizens in major cities will experience considerable relief from air pollution and harmful emissions.
E100 Cars Arriving Within Six Weeks
According to Nitin Gadkari, India’s automobile sector has fully embraced this government vision and is working at a rapid pace to implement it. Leading car manufacturers including Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, MG, and Hyundai are preparing to launch new models in the Indian market within the next six weeks that will run entirely on 100% pure ethanol. The most significant advantage is that this fuel is considerably more economical and cheaper than conventional petrol, providing substantial savings for consumers.
What is Ethanol and How is it Produced?
Ethanol is a type of alcohol produced through the scientific fermentation process of starch and sugar. While it is primarily made from sugarcane juice, it can also be efficiently produced from spoiled grains, potatoes, and other damaged agricultural products. This fuel represents an enormous opportunity for an agricultural nation like India, as it will substantially boost farmers’ incomes while remaining environmentally friendly.
E85 Fuel Now Available at Lower Prices
The government continues to take significant steps to promote biofuel across the country. Just last week, E85 fuel for specially designed flex-fuel vehicles was launched in the market. In Delhi, this new fuel is priced at only ₹82.12 per liter, which is remarkably ₹20 per liter cheaper than the standard E20 petrol available in the capital. E85 refers to fuel containing 85% ethanol and 15% petrol.
The different types of flex-fuel currently available in the Indian market are as follows:
E-5: Contains 5% ethanol and 95% petrol.
E-10: Contains 10% ethanol and 90% petrol.
E-20: Contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, currently widely available in many major cities.
E-85: Contains 85% ethanol and 15% petrol.
This Fuel Works Only in Compatible Vehicles
It is critical for all drivers to understand that E85 or 100% pure ethanol fuel cannot be used in standard petrol cars or motorcycles. Using this fuel in regular vehicles can cause severe engine damage. To use this fuel, your vehicle must have a specially designed flex-fuel engine. Currently, only select vehicles are fully compatible with this technology.
Compatible Vehicles and Motorcycles
Maruti Suzuki WagonR Flex-Fuel represents India’s first passenger car capable of running smoothly and reliably on blends up to 100% pure ethanol (E100). Hero MotoCorp has introduced its flex-fuel motorcycles in the 100cc segment, marking the company’s first offering in this category. The Hero Splendor+ and HF Deluxe can operate on high-ethanol fuel ranging from E20 to E85 without any complications, with sales beginning in July 2026 in select areas of Delhi and Maharashtra.
The Suzuki Gixxer SF, a powerful sports bike popular among younger riders, also fully supports advanced high-ethanol fuel technology.
