From fields to fuel: How grains are becoming the engine of India's ethanol drive
Grain-based ethanol now contributes nearly 67% of total supplies, with maize retaining its position as the single largest feedstock.
- Jul 8, 2026,
- Updated Jul 8, 2026 2:33 PM IST
India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme continues to gain strength, supported by a more diversified and resilient feedstock basket, according to the latest ethanol supply data released by the All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA).
The ongoing Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26 points to the growing maturity of India’s biofuel ecosystem, with grain-based feedstocks continuing to dominate ethanol production and a wider mix of raw materials improving supply stability.
As of June 2026, cumulative ethanol supplies stood at 7.17 billion litres against contracted volumes of 10.48 billion litres, reflecting an overall supply achievement of 68% during the ongoing supply year.
The latest data show that grain-based ethanol accounts for nearly 67% of total ethanol supplied, or 4.80 billion litres, while sugarcane-based feedstocks contributed 2.38 billion litres, or 33%. This reaffirms the strategic role of grains in sustaining India’s ethanol blending programme.
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Diversified feedstock mix
Maize remains India’s single largest feedstock, with 2.58 billion litres of ethanol supplied. However, the latest supply pattern also points to an increasingly diversified feedstock ecosystem.
Ethanol produced from surplus FCI grains reached 1.77 billion litres, while sugarcane juice contributed 1.44 billion litres, B-heavy molasses 820 million litres, and damaged food grains 450 million litres.
The balanced contribution from multiple feedstocks has strengthened supply resilience, reduced dependence on any single agricultural crop, and helped ensure uninterrupted ethanol availability through the year.
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The evolving feedstock mix marks another important milestone in India’s transition towards a more sustainable and secure biofuel economy.
Vijendra Singh, President, All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA), says diversification has reduced dependence on any single crop, improved year-round feedstock availability, and strengthened India’s energy security.
“As the country moves beyond the E20 milestone, policy support for higher ethanol blends, flex-fuel vehicles, ethanol-diesel blending, and next-generation biofuels will be essential to fully utilise the significant production capacity created by the industry,” he says.
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India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme continues to gain strength, supported by a more diversified and resilient feedstock basket, according to the latest ethanol supply data released by the All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA).
The ongoing Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26 points to the growing maturity of India’s biofuel ecosystem, with grain-based feedstocks continuing to dominate ethanol production and a wider mix of raw materials improving supply stability.
As of June 2026, cumulative ethanol supplies stood at 7.17 billion litres against contracted volumes of 10.48 billion litres, reflecting an overall supply achievement of 68% during the ongoing supply year.
The latest data show that grain-based ethanol accounts for nearly 67% of total ethanol supplied, or 4.80 billion litres, while sugarcane-based feedstocks contributed 2.38 billion litres, or 33%. This reaffirms the strategic role of grains in sustaining India’s ethanol blending programme.
MUST READ: 'It is a misrepresentation': Hardeep Singh Puri rejects reports of E20 vehicle issues
Diversified feedstock mix
Maize remains India’s single largest feedstock, with 2.58 billion litres of ethanol supplied. However, the latest supply pattern also points to an increasingly diversified feedstock ecosystem.
Ethanol produced from surplus FCI grains reached 1.77 billion litres, while sugarcane juice contributed 1.44 billion litres, B-heavy molasses 820 million litres, and damaged food grains 450 million litres.
The balanced contribution from multiple feedstocks has strengthened supply resilience, reduced dependence on any single agricultural crop, and helped ensure uninterrupted ethanol availability through the year.
MUST READ: NITI Aayog's 2021 roadmap had flagged mileage, compatibility issues with E20
The evolving feedstock mix marks another important milestone in India’s transition towards a more sustainable and secure biofuel economy.
Vijendra Singh, President, All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA), says diversification has reduced dependence on any single crop, improved year-round feedstock availability, and strengthened India’s energy security.
“As the country moves beyond the E20 milestone, policy support for higher ethanol blends, flex-fuel vehicles, ethanol-diesel blending, and next-generation biofuels will be essential to fully utilise the significant production capacity created by the industry,” he says.
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