India Freezes Gasoline Ethanol Blending Ratio at 20%; Corn Usage Rises to 37% in Five Years

According to India's Deputy Petroleum Minister Suresh Gopi on July 20, India has no plans to increase the ethanol blending ratio in gasoline beyond the current 20%. Any future adjustment to the blending ratio will only proceed after comprehensive scientific and technical research and consultation with automakers, fuel retailers, and feedstock suppliers. The government has not withdrawn E20 fuel from the market and reported no significant complaints regarding vehicle performance issues.

To diversify feedstock sources and conserve water resources, India is expanding ethanol production from sugarcane, corn, damaged grains, and broken rice. Over the five-year period ending 2025-26, corn's share in India's ethanol program has surged from zero to 37%.