Karnataka government claims that E20 branded gasoline contains up to 31.2% impurities

The country is preparing to promote ethanol as an alternative to gasoline. The government recently introduced changes to the rules allowing the operation of flexible fuel vehicles capable of running on 100% ethanol. However, this decision has raised a serious question: how will such a large quantity of fuel be ensured in the country if cars begin to switch entirely to ethanol?

The Supreme Court also highlighted the need to consider the interests of farmers when discussing ethanol policy.

During hearings related to ethanol last Thursday, the Supreme Court requested clarification from the central government regarding the provision of sufficient fuel for vehicles that will operate exclusively on 100% ethanol.

Judges M.M. Sundares and Prasanna B. Varale, citing recent media reports, mentioned that newspapers had published information about the government's permission for using 100% ethanol vehicles. They emphasized that it is crucial to understand how the supply of ethanol for such a large number of vehicles will be managed.

In response to the court's query, Attorney General R. Venkataramani stated that this would require a massive overhaul of production and manufacturing systems. He noted that if the use of 100% ethanol vehicles increases in the future, the country must prepare on a large scale.

During the session, the Supreme Court pointed out the necessity of linking ethanol policy not only to fuel and environmental issues but also to the interests of farmers. Judge Sundares stressed that this situation must be viewed from the perspective of benefit to ordinary citizens, and that the aspect of strengthening the country's farmers is extremely important alongside ecology.

He added that a significant portion of the country's population still lives in rural areas, and the issue of strengthening farmers is not sufficiently covered. The bench stated the need to support broad segments of the population, especially residents of rural areas.

The Attorney General assured that he would take into account the aspects related to farmers in his arguments. One lawyer present at the hearing stated that promoting ethanol would benefit farmers in one way or another. Another lawyer countered that the current central government policy already includes the interests of farmers.

The Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing on this matter for next month.

This issue arose during the consideration of petitions concerning the distribution of ethanol for the ESY 2025-26 period. Previously, on June 30, the Supreme Court ordered the status quo to be maintained regarding the High Court of Karnataka's ruling, which required consideration of increasing ethanol supplies. This was because a petroleum trading company filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court, claiming that the High Court's ruling could affect the policy of blending 20% ethanol in gasoline.

The Ministry of Transport and Road Affairs issued a notification on October 26, 2026, regarding the amendment of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989. These changes paved the way for flexible fuel vehicles capable of running on E100, meaning nearly pure ethanol. This implies that the number of such vehicles running on pure ethanol will increase in the country in the future.

Previously, the ministry also changed rules concerning vehicle emission certification, including E100 alongside E85. E85 fuel consists of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, whereas E100 contains almost entirely ethanol. Flexible fuel vehicles are designed to run on fuels with a higher ethanol content than regular gasoline. Nevertheless, their engines and fuel systems undergo certain modifications compared to standard gasoline cars.

The Indian government has implemented a significant update to its vehicle homologation standards, formally including pure ethanol (E100) and the E85 blend for flex-fuel automobiles. This regulatory change, which took effect immediately after official notification, defines the technical and legal path for manufacturers to certify and commercially launch these models in the local market.

With this new directive, emission regulatory tables now consider E20 alongside E10 in the gasoline category. Furthermore, there was an expansion of biodiesel specifications to cover the B100 standard. Another relevant technical adjustment was the increase in the maximum permitted gross weight for these vehicles, which rose from 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg, correcting inconsistencies discussed since a preliminary draft presented for public consultation in the first half of the year.

The responsible government department emphasized that flex engines are equipped with automated systems capable of instantly adapting to the proportion of ethanol present in the tank. This technology already has a proven track record in major markets, such as the United States and Brazil. Economically and ecologically, the Indian administration argues that increasing the use of biofuels contributes to reducing dependence on crude oil imports, lowers exhaust pollutant emissions, and supports the national goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070.

Despite the legal release for this new energy matrix in transport, local experts and authorities warn that E100 and E85 supply must be used exclusively in vehicles factory-designed for this purpose. Conventional cars, adjusted for smaller blends, are not compatible with pure proportions. Therefore, the standard guidance for drivers is always to consult the owner's manual and check the official fuel compatibility seal before refueling.

Vehicles will be able to run without gasoline because the government has legalized the use of E85 and E100 fuels. Although previously there was discussion about the problem with gasoline and dependence on crude oil imports, this situation took a new turn thanks to ethanol. After heated discussions surrounding E20 gasoline, authorities have now paved the way for vehicles running on E85 and E100 fuels, meaning that in the future, car engines can function almost entirely on ethanol instead of pure or blended gasoline.

However, there is an important condition: E100 cannot simply be poured into an existing gasoline car. This is only possible in models specifically designed for this type of fuel. The government has taken significant steps to stimulate the use of ethanol fuels by approving amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways published a notification regarding amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989 dated October 23, 2026. These changes include not only E85 but also E100. This opens up a legal possibility for vehicle manufacturers to create and bring to market cars specifically designed to run on ethanol.

The government notification introduced changes to provisions concerning emission norms, fuel quality, and vehicle inspection, according to rule 115. Various sub-rules now mention both E85 and E100 to establish clear standards for testing and certifying vehicles running on 100% bioethanol. This step is critically important for automakers preparing to introduce E100 fuel vehicles to the Indian market.

Furthermore, within this notification, the limits for vehicle weight were adjusted. In sub-rule (18) of rule 115, the limit for the gross mass of the vehicle was increased from 3000 kg to 3500 kg. It was also clarified that E85 or E100 must only be used in flexible vehicles specifically developed by the OEM for this fuel.

The consideration of these proposed government changes took place in April of this year. Progress in this direction is expected to boost the production and use of flexible vehicles. This is also important for companies planning to launch E100 fuel vehicles in the near future.

E85 and E100 represent fuel mixed with ethanol. E85 contains about 85 percent ethanol, with the remainder being gasoline. Whereas E100 uses almost exclusively ethanol. For operation on such fuel, the engine and fuel system of the vehicle must be appropriately prepared. Consequently, E100 vehicles differ from regular gasoline cars.

E85 or E100 cannot be directly used in standard gasoline cars running on gasoline or E20. E20 contains a maximum of 20 percent ethanol, with the rest being gasoline. The use of fuels mixed with more than 20 percent ethanol, including E100, is only possible in vehicles that have been specially designed for this purpose and possess the necessary certifications. Thus, before filling high-ethanol content fuel in your current vehicle, you must ensure its compatibility.

This government move is seen as vital for advancing flexible vehicles in the country. Such vehicles are prepared to run on a mixture of gasoline and ethanol in various proportions. After the approval of rules related to the use of E85 and E100, manufacturers will find it easier to develop models based on this technology.

Recently, Maruti Suzuki introduced the Maruti Wagon R Flex Fuel as the first flex-fuel vehicle in the country. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, presented this model. At the launch, the company stated that this vehicle runs easily on E85 fuel, which is approximately 20 rupees cheaper than regular gasoline (Rs 102.12 per liter). In Delhi, the price of this fuel is Rs 82.12 per liter.

The WagonR flex-fuel variant was tested by Business Today. The car was driven about 30 kilometers through busy streets, flyovers, and open roads of Delhi. The biggest surprise was that the driving felt exactly like in a regular WagonR, with no noticeable differences in engine smoothness or acceleration.