India’s ethanol programme becomes more resilient: AIDA

India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme continues to strengthen with a more diversified and resilient feedstock basket, according to the latest ethanol supply data released by the All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA). The ongoing Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26 reflects the growing maturity of India’s biofuel ecosystem, with grain-based feedstocks continuing to dominate ethanol production while ensuring greater supply stability through a balanced mix of raw materials.

As of June 2026, cumulative ethanol supplies have reached 717 crore litres against contracted volumes of 1,048 crore litres, representing an overall supply achievement of 68% during the ongoing supply year.

The latest data reveals that grain-based ethanol accounts for nearly 67% of total ethanol supplied (480 crore litres), while sugarcane-based feedstocks contribute 238 crore litres (33%), reaffirming the strategic role of grain in sustaining India’s ethanol blending programme. While maize continues to be India’s single largest feedstock with 258 crore litres of ethanol supplied, latest supply pattern reflects an increasingly diversified feedstock ecosystem.

Ethanol produced from Surplus FCI grains has reached 177 crore litres, while Sugarcane Juice (SCJ) has contributed 144 crore litres, B-Heavy Molasses 82 crore litres, and Damaged Food Grains 45 crore litres. The balanced contribution from multiple feedstocks has significantly strengthened supply resilience, reduced dependence on any single agricultural crop and enabled ethanol availability.

Vijendra Singh, President, AIDA, said: “The latest ethanol supply data demonstrates that India’s biofuel programme has evolved into a robust and resilient ecosystem driven by diversified feedstocks. While maize continues to be the largest contributor, the increasing participation of surplus food grains and sugarcane-based feedstocks reflects the strength of a balanced supply chain.” Bharati Balaji, Deputy Director General, AIDA, added, “India’s ethanol programme is now transitioning from a capacity-building to resilience-building phase. The supply pattern reflects success of policy interventions that have encouraged multiple feedstocks to participate in programme.”