GEMA Backs Draft Move to Include Higher Ethanol Blends in Emission Norms
GEMA said that higher ethanol blends could increase demand for surplus agricultural produce, supporting farm incomes and strengthening the rural economy.
April 30, 2026. By Abha Rustagi
The proposal marks a step forward in India’s biofuel roadmap after the rollout of 20 percent ethanol blending (E20), signalling a shift towards wider adoption of higher ethanol blends under a regulated regime.
“This draft notification marks a progressive and forward-looking step for India’s biofuel ecosystem,” GEMA President C.K. Jain said. “The inclusion of E85 and E100 in emission norms is a strong policy signal that the country is ready to move beyond E20 and embrace higher ethanol blends,” added Jain.
The industry body said the move could unlock opportunities for the grain-based ethanol sector by enabling capacity expansion, attracting fresh investment and strengthening the value chain.
Jain said the proposal would boost confidence across stakeholders, including farmers, fuel producers and automakers, and help accelerate India’s push for energy security and decarbonisation.
GEMA added that higher ethanol blends could increase demand for surplus agricultural produce, supporting farm incomes and strengthening the rural economy.
The association also said aligning regulatory frameworks with evolving fuel technologies would help reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and promote cleaner, domestically produced alternatives.
GEMA said it would engage with the government during the consultation process to help ensure that the final framework supports sustainable growth, technological readiness and smooth adoption of high-ethanol fuels.
Commenting on the development, Deepak Ballani, Director General, ISMA, stated, “ISMA welcomes and appreciates the draft Gazette notification on draft Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) as a timely and forward-looking step towards strengthening India’s clean mobility framework."
"The progression from E85 to E100 provides regulatory provisions for certifying vehicles capable of running on pure ethanol, signalling a clear shift towards mainstreaming indigenous biofuels. This development strengthens India’s push towards energy security and Atmanirbhar Bharat, while advancing the shift to cleaner fuels, leveraging India’s existing ethanol ecosystem. It also has far-reaching impact across the value chain, from boosting rural incomes to reinforcing India’s position in the global transition towards sustainable mobility,” added Ballani.
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