India targets 5,000 E85 fuel stations by 2027
Government plans phased expansion starting with 100 urban sites to support flex-fuel vehicle adoption.
India is preparing to deploy up to 5,000 E85 fuel stations across major cities by the end of 2027, beginning with an initial rollout of 100 sites in key urban areas such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to expand ethanol-based mobility and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The first phase will focus on establishing E85 dispensing infrastructure in strategic corridors, followed by an expansion to 500 stations by late 2026. The full network aims to create a nationwide refueling ecosystem to support the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles, which can operate on fuel blends containing up to 85% ethanol.
E85 has been designated as a standard fuel for flex-fuel vehicles under national specifications, with officials highlighting its potential to reduce emissions and support cleaner transport. The expansion aligns with India’s wider energy transition efforts, which include ethanol blending, biofuels and e-mobility.
“This not only helps lower our energy import bill but also empowers our farmers with an additional and sustainable source of income,” said Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
The government also sees economic benefits from increased ethanol production. Estimates suggest that if half of new vehicle sales shift to flex-fuel technology, annual ethanol demand could rise significantly, generating additional income for farmers and supporting rural economies.
