The Centre has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to permit flex-fuel vehicles designed to run on petrol blended with up to 100% ethanol, clearing a regulatory path for automakers preparing to introduce E100-compatible models in India. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified the amendment on October 23, 2026, incorporating E100 alongside E85 in the emission standards, fuel specifications and testing requirements under Rule 115.
The move comes as some automobile manufacturers prepare to launch vehicles capable of running on high-ethanol fuel blends in the coming months. The amendment establishes the regulatory framework for manufacturers to develop, test and certify vehicles designed to operate on E100, a fuel consisting predominantly of ethanol.
However, the new provision does not permit the use of E100 or E85 in conventional petrol vehicles. Officials have clarified that these fuels are intended exclusively for vehicles specially designed and certified for high-ethanol operation. Existing vehicles designed for regular petrol or E20 fuel will not be required to switch to higher ethanol blends or undergo modifications.
Flex-fuel technology allows vehicles to operate on different proportions of petrol and ethanol through a single fuel tank, depending on their design and certification. The technology is already used in countries such as Brazil and the United States.
The amendment follows a draft notification published on April 27, 2026, which invited public comments and objections for 30 days before the final rules were notified.
Boost to ethanol adoption
The regulatory change is expected to support India's efforts to expand domestic ethanol consumption and reduce dependence on imported crude oil. India meets around 88% of its crude oil requirements through imports, making alternative fuels strategically important for energy security and foreign exchange savings.
Higher ethanol blends can also help reduce tailpipe emissions of carbon monoxide and certain hydrocarbons. Ethanol generally has a lower fossil-carbon footprint than conventional petrol, although the overall environmental benefit depends on how the fuel is produced and transported.
The decision builds on progress under the government's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. India has achieved its nationwide target of blending 20% ethanol with petrol ahead of the original 2030 deadline. The country's ethanol production capacity is now nearly 2,000 crore litres annually, while oil marketing companies are issuing tenders exceeding 1,100 crore litres a year to support the E20 programme.
The introduction of E100-compatible vehicles could create additional demand for domestically produced ethanol, potentially benefiting the sugar and grain-based ethanol industries. However, wider adoption will depend on vehicle availability, fuel distribution infrastructure, affordability and the commercial viability of high-ethanol blends.