India’s alternative fuel strategy is now looking beyond E20 petrol, with greater emphasis being placed on ethanol-based fuels and flex-fuel technology. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has outlined a future plan in which vehicles could be developed to run entirely on ethanol, or E100.
Speaking at an event following the launch of a new public bus service in Madhya Pradesh, Gadkari highlighted the potential of ethanol as an alternative fuel. He said ethanol can play a significant role not only in reducing India’s dependence on imported petroleum but also in creating additional economic opportunities for farmers.
According to Gadkari, the growing demand for ethanol has already benefited agricultural producers. He cited the rise in maize prices, saying that prices had increased from around Rs 1,200 per quintal to nearly Rs 2,600 per quintal following the expansion of ethanol production.
Gadkari described farmers as both food providers and energy contributors, highlighting the growing connection between agriculture and the country’s energy requirements.
Focus on E100 and Flex-Fuel Engines
E100 refers to fuel containing 100 percent ethanol. Flex-fuel engines are designed to operate using different combinations of petrol and ethanol, giving vehicles greater flexibility in the choice of fuel.
The government is working towards developing vehicles with engines capable of operating entirely on ethanol. Gadkari said such technology could help India expand the use of domestically produced fuels while reducing its dependence on imported petroleum.
The minister also stressed the importance of diversifying India’s energy sources. According to him, greater use of ethanol, electricity, hydrogen and other alternative energy sources can help reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel.
Gadkari said India currently spends around Rs 22 lakh crore on petroleum imports. Reducing this dependence, he argued, would be important for strengthening the country’s energy security and supporting greater domestic energy production.
### Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles Also in Focus
India’s alternative fuel strategy is not limited to ethanol. Electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered transportation are also being developed as part of the broader transition towards cleaner mobility.
Gadkari said electric tractors have already been launched, while work on hydrogen-powered vehicles is continuing. He also referred to the hydrogen-powered vehicle known as ‘Mirai’, explaining that the name means ‘future’ in Japanese.
The minister said he travels in a hydrogen-powered vehicle and highlighted hydrogen as another potential clean-energy option for the transport sector.
Plans are also being developed to introduce hydrogen buses on 10 routes. The move is aimed at expanding the use of hydrogen in public transportation and exploring cleaner alternatives to conventional diesel-powered buses.
### Push for Affordable Public Transport
During the Madhya Pradesh event, Gadkari also highlighted the need for safe, affordable and accountable public transportation. He said better public transport facilities should particularly benefit people from economically weaker sections of society.
He emphasized the need for better passenger facilities, including comfortable AC buses, while also stressing the importance of keeping fares affordable. According to his vision, bus fares should be around 30 percent lower than those of comparable diesel buses.
The broader strategy combines alternative fuels with improvements in public transportation. Ethanol-based vehicles, electric mobility and hydrogen-powered buses could all become part of India’s future transportation mix.
The government’s focus on E100 and flex-fuel technology therefore represents a broader effort to increase the use of domestically produced energy. Alongside ethanol, electric mobility and hydrogen, the strategy aims to reduce dependence on imported petroleum while creating new economic opportunities in sectors connected with agriculture, manufacturing and transportation
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