GEMA Calls for Accelerated Ethanol Blending and Flex-Fuel Vehicle Adoption

The Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA) has urged the Government of India to expedite its roadmap for higher ethanol blending and the nationwide introduction of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). The association emphasized that advancing ethanol use could cut carbon emissions, boost farmer incomes, and fast-track India’s journey toward net-zero emissions by 2070.

Following the success of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, which recently achieved the 20% blending milestone, GEMA highlighted that it is time for India to raise its ambition. Drawing inspiration from Brazil’s ethanol model, where fuel blends range from E27 to as high as E55, the association called for India to adopt a similar approach through widespread use of FFVs.

Beyond 20% Blending: The Next Frontier

“India must advance towards higher ethanol blends while ensuring flex-fuel vehicles become the norm,” said Dr. C.K. Jain, President of GEMA. “There is an urgent need to increase blending up to the tolerance levels of existing vehicles, providing immediate relief to the grain ethanol sector. A clear and forward-looking policy roadmap beyond 20% blending is essential to maintain industry momentum.”

Dr. Jain added that ethanol manufacturers have already made significant investments to meet the anticipated rise in demand and are ready to collaborate with automobile manufacturers and fuel distributors. However, he cautioned that timely government intervention and strong inter-ministerial coordination are crucial to ensure steady progress.

Environmental and Economic Gains

According to GEMA, advancing to higher ethanol blends would yield multiple benefits, notably reducing carbon emissions and oil import dependency, while strengthening energy security. Increased ethanol demand would also invigorate rural economies by creating new market opportunities for maize, rice, and sugarcane producers.

The association stressed that developing a robust flex-fuel ecosystem will require:

• Establishing vehicle standards suitable for higher ethanol blends,
• Upgrading fuel infrastructure across the supply chain, and
• Running public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the benefits of ethanol-based fuels.

Also Read: Govt Relaxes Rules on Ethanol Production, But Only One-Third Comes from Sugar

GEMA reiterated that ethanol blending and flex-fuel technologies represent two key pillars of India’s clean energy and transport transformation. Integrating biofuels into the mainstream fuel mix could reduce emissions, improve air quality, and create green jobs across both rural and industrial sectors.

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