India’s ethanol supplies cross 800-crore-litre mark

India’s ethanol programme has crossed a new supply milestone of 800-crore-litre mark during ESY 2025-26, with grain-based feedstocks strengthening their share of monthly supplies in July, according to the latest data compiled by the All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA).

A total of 93 crore litres of ethanol was supplied during July, taking cumulative supplies beyond the 800-crore-litre milestone. Grain-based feedstocks accounted for 71 crore litres, or around 76 per cent of July supplies, compared with approximately 73 per cent in June, when grain-based ethanol contributed 75 crore litres out of 103 crore litres supplied during the month.

The month-on-month movement is significant because grain-based supplies remained relatively stable even as total monthly ethanol supplies moderated, resulting in a higher share for grain-based feedstocks in July.

The July data also highlights a notable shift within the grain-based segment.

Maize and surplus FCI grains each contributed 30 crore litres of ethanol in July, together accounting for nearly 85 per cent of grain-based supplies during the month. Damaged food grains contributed a further 11 crore litres.

The near-equal contribution from maize and surplus FCI grains underlines the increasing role of multiple grain streams in supporting ethanol supplies. It also demonstrates the flexibility of the domestic ethanol supply chain in drawing on different agricultural resources.

Maize remained a major contributor to the overall ethanol programme, while the significant contribution from surplus FCI grains highlights the role of government-designated surplus food grains in supporting domestic biofuel production.

Sugarcane-based feedstocks contributed 22 crore litres during July, compared with 28 crore litres in June. The monthly ethanol supplies consequently declined from approximately 27 per cent in June to 24 per cent in July.