KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- MoRTH issues draft-notification on ethanol blending
- Proposing amendments to the (CMVR), 1989
- Last year E20 fuel became the standard in India
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has officially issued a draft notification that includes provisions for higher ethanol content in petrol, up to E85 and even E100. The aim is to make India less dependent on fuel imports, save foreign exchange reserves, and move towards energy self-reliance. This move comes a year after the government standardised 20% ethanol blending in petrol across the country. Currently, the draft is open for public comments. Let's learn more about this development below, and in the meantime, do join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to never miss the latest automotive updates.
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Ethanol Blending
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has released a draft notification proposing updates to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989. The move aims to support higher ethanol blending in fuel, including E85 and even E100, while also updating emission norms, fuel classifications, and technical terminology under the existing regulations. The proposal is part of the government's broader plan to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and prepare India for a future flex-fuel ecosystem.
The draft notification is currently open for public comments for the next 30 days, after which the government will review-feedback before taking a final decision on implementing these changes.
Last year, E20 fuel became the standard in India, and it sparked concerns across the country as many vehicles manufactured before 2022 were not fully compatible with it. It also led to complaints regarding reduced fuel efficiency, while some older cars reportedly faced engine-related issues. Manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki even introduced E20-compatible updates and kits, which included changes such as using ethanol-resistant engine components and fuel system materials.
However, if E85 and E100 fuels are introduced in the future, the bigger question is what will happen to current vehicles that are only compatible with E20 fuel. That remains the real concern, and it will be interesting to see how the government and automakers address this transition going forward.
Verdict
The proposal signals India's serious push towards alternative fuels and long-term energy independence, but the transition will not be as simple as increasing ethanol content overnight. While E85 and E100 could reduce fuel import dependency, concerns around vehicle compatibility, fuel efficiency, infrastructure, and long-term engine reliability still remain. For now, it is more of a future roadmap than an immediate change, and how smoothly the government and automakers manage this shift will ultimately decide its success among everyday car buyers.
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