85% ethanol-blended flex fuel (E85) has been officially launched in India. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, inaugurated the first E85 petrol pump under the Indian Oil Corporation in New Delhi. The price of this fuel will be ₹82.12 per liter in New Delhi, which is approximately ₹20 cheaper than regular petrol.
The launch of this fuel will reduce fuel expenses for ordinary citizens, while also significantly cutting down the government’s dependence on crude oil imports. The government aims to establish 500 such petrol pumps within the current year, and this number will be increased to 5,000 by 2027.
It is noteworthy that currently, E20 petrol is being sold at petrol pumps across India. This fuel consists of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. In contrast, E85 fuel contains up to 85% ethanol and only 15% petrol. The government also plans to introduce E100 (100% ethanol-blended fuel) in the next phase.
Crucially, E85 petrol cannot be used in current vehicles as they are. For this, vehicle engines will have to be specially manufactured. Recently, Maruti Suzuki launched a special flex-fuel version of the WagonR that can run on up to 100% ethanol. Similarly, Hero MotoCorp has introduced a special Splendor and an HF Deluxe motorcycle capable of running on this fuel.
India’s First E85 Flex Fuel Pump Opens in Delhi: ₹82.12/Litre, ₹20 Cheaper Than Petrol
