Ethanol supplies cross 800 crore litres: Why India's next challenge is demand
India's ethanol production has surpassed 800 crore litres for the 2025-26 supply year, with a notable shift toward grain-based feedstocks like maize. While total volume is high, the industry is now focusing on managing demand to match the increased supply.
Why it matters
The shift in feedstock highlights India's evolving energy strategy and the agricultural impact of its biofuel mandates.
India’s ethanol programme has crossed another major volume mark, but the latest supply data also shows a shift in where the fuel is coming from.Grain-based feedstocks accounted for about three-fourths of ethanol supplied in July, with maize and surplus Food Corporation of India (FCI) grains emerging as the biggest contributors.According to data compiled by the All India Distillers' Association (AIDA), cumulative ethanol supplies crossed 800 crore litres during Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26.Grain-based ethanol gains share as monthly supplies moderateIndia received 93 crore litres of ethanol in July, taking cumulative supplies for ESY 2025-26 beyond the 800-crore-litre mark.However, monthly supplies were lower than in June, when 103 crore litres were supplied.
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