India proposes E100, B100 biofuel blends and higher vehicle weight cap
Synopsis
India is proposing to recognise E100, E85, and B100 as standard automotive fuels — a regulatory leap from the current E20 baseline. Paired with SAF blending targets for aviation and a vehicle weight cap revision, the draft amendments signal a comprehensive pivot toward energy self-reliance that goes well beyond incremental tweaks.
Key Takeaways
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 to include E100, E85, and B100 as recognised automotive fuels.
Currently, vehicles made after April 2023 are compliant only with E20 fuel (up to 20% ethanol blend).
The permissible gross vehicle weight for certain categories is proposed to rise from 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg .
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for 100% ethanol blending to strengthen India's energy self-reliance.
India has set SAF blending targets of 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030 for the aviation sector.
The draft is open for public objections and suggestions for 30 days before finalisation.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification proposing to widen the definition of automotive fuels to include higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel, in a significant step toward cleaner and more diversified energy use across India's transport sector. The draft, released on 29 April 2025, seeks amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and is open for public consultation for 30 days.
Key Proposed Fuel Changes
The draft notification proposes enabling the use of ethanol blends up to 100 per cent (E100) and 85 per cent (E85), along with biodiesel blends up to 100 per cent (B100) as recognised automotive fuels. Currently, vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are compliant with E20 fuel, capable of running on ethanol blends of up to 20 per cent, with certain models engineered to support higher blends.
The notification also proposes technical corrections to hydrogen-CNG terminology, replacing the earlier notation 'Hydrogen + CN' with the standardised 'Hydrogen + CNG', along with other corrections in emission tables.
Vehicle Weight Cap Revision
In a related move, the draft proposes increasing the permissible gross vehicle weight for certain categories to 3,500 kg from the existing limit of 3,000 kg. Officials indicated the change is aimed at aligning regulatory frameworks with evolving fuel technologies and vehicle designs that may carry additional equipment for alternative fuel systems.
What the Government Said
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari recently underlined the urgency of scaling up ethanol adoption, stating that India should work towards achieving 100 per cent ethanol blending in the future to strengthen energy self-reliance amid global supply uncertainties. According to officials, the broader objective is to reduce India's long-term dependence on fossil fuel imports.
Notably, Brazil has already adopted higher ethanol blending levels at a national scale, offering a potential model for India as it expands its biofuel ecosystem.
Aviation Sector Joins the Biofuel Push
Separately, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has amended norms to allow blending of ethanol in aviation turbine fuel (ATF), extending the biofuel mandate beyond road transport. The move is expected to lower crude oil import dependence and reduce carbon emissions from the aviation sector.
India has also set indicative targets for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending: 1 per cent by 2027, 2 per cent by 2028, and 5 per cent by 2030, in line with global aviation sustainability goals.
What Happens Next
The draft amendments are open for objections and suggestions from stakeholders for 30 days before the government finalises the rules. Industry bodies and vehicle manufacturers are expected to submit feedback, particularly on the readiness of existing fleets and fuel distribution infrastructure to support higher biofuel blends at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are E100, E85, and B100 fuels proposed by India?
E100 and E85 refer to ethanol blends of 100% and 85% respectively, while B100 refers to 100% biodiesel. India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed including these as recognised automotive fuels under amended Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, a significant upgrade from the current E20 standard.
What is the current ethanol blending standard for vehicles in India?
Vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are compliant with E20 fuel, meaning they can run on ethanol blends of up to 20 per cent. Certain models are engineered to support higher blends, but E20 is the current regulatory baseline.
Why has the vehicle gross weight cap been proposed to increase?
The draft proposes raising the permissible gross vehicle weight for certain categories from 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg, reportedly to align with evolving fuel technologies and vehicle designs that may require additional equipment for alternative fuel systems.
What are India's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending targets?
India has set indicative SAF blending targets of 1 per cent by 2027, 2 per cent by 2028, and 5 per cent by 2030, in line with global aviation sustainability goals. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has also amended norms to allow ethanol blending in aviation turbine fuel.
How can stakeholders participate in the biofuel rule amendments?
The draft notification has been issued for public consultation, with the government inviting objections and suggestions within 30 days before the amendments are finalised. Industry bodies, vehicle manufacturers, and citizens can submit feedback during this window.
