10th July 2026: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has announced that the Central Government is planning to introduce E85 fuel, which is expected to be around ₹20 cheaper per litre than the existing E20 petrol.
Speaking in an interview with a private news channel, the minister said the proposed fuel will be available only for flex-fuel vehicles specifically designed to operate on E85, which contains up to 85 percent ethanol blended with petrol. Puri said the initiative is aimed at providing affordable fuel options for consumers while accelerating India’s ethanol blending programme, reducing dependence on imported crude oil, and promoting cleaner, domestically produced biofuels.Addressing concerns over ethanol-blended fuel, the minister dismissed claims that higher ethanol content could damage vehicle engines or affect performance, stating that vehicles designed for E85 would operate safely and efficiently.The proposed rollout of E85 is part of the government’s broader strategy to expand the use of biofuels, enhance energy security, and support India’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation.
