KATHMANDU: E85 fuel has been launched in India’s capital, Delhi, marking a key step in the country’s ethanol adoption plan.
The first E85 fuel dispensing station is now operational at an Indian Oil outlet in Delhi.
E85 fuel has been priced at Rs 82.12 per liter. It is around Rs 20 cheaper than regular E20 petrol. The dispensers are marked with purple nozzles and clear ‘E85’ branding.
The government plans to expand E85 availability in phases. Around 50 to 100 dispensers will be set up in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur in the short term. The target is to reach 500 stations by the end of the year.
By 2027, around 5,000 E85 fuel stations are expected to be operational across the country.
However, vehicle compatibility remains limited. Currently, most vehicles support ethanol blends only up to E20.
Maruti Suzuki has showcased India’s first E85-compatible passenger car, the Wagon R Flex Fuel. In the two-wheeler segment, Hero MotoCorp has introduced flex-fuel versions of the Splendor+ and HF Deluxe.
In Nepal, the government has already approved blending 10 percent ethanol in petrol to reduce fuel imports and promote cleaner energy. The Cabinet has endorsed the ‘Ethanol Blending Order 2082’, and preparations are underway to introduce E10 petrol in the domestic market.
