After E20, What's Next? AIDA Maps India's Ethanol Road Ahead

The Government's efforts to fast-track the regulatory framework are helping unlock the next phase of ethanol growth in India, says Bharati Balaji, Deputy Director General, All India Distillers Association (AIDA), in an interview with Business Today. Balaji highlights that India's installed ethanol production capacity has reached nearly 2,000 crore litres annually, while oil marketing companies are expected to procure around 1,100 crore litres during Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26. Even after meeting requirements from potable alcohol, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, substantial surplus capacity remains available for future blending programmes.She discusses the need for a clear roadmap for higher ethanol blends, tax incentives for flex-fuel vehicles, improved dispensing infrastructure, consumer-friendly ethanol pricing, and state-level support through lower road and registration taxes.