AIDA says diversified feedstocks power India’s ethanol programme; Ethanol supplies at 717 cr ltrs till June
According to AIDA, India supplied 717 crore litres of ethanol by June 2026, achieving 68% of contracted volumes, with grain-based ethanol accounting for 67% of total supplies. The association said the diversified feedstock mix, led by maize and surplus FCI grains, has strengthened supply resilience and will support higher ethanol blending targets in the future.
As per the latest ethanol supply data released by the All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA), 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.
Diversified feedstock strengthens energy security
While maize continues to be India’s single largest feedstock with 258 crore litres of ethanol supplied, the 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 uninterrupted ethanol availability throughout the year.
The evolving feedstock mix marks another important milestone in India’s transition towards a more sustainable and secure biofuel economy.
Key Highlights (ESY 2025-26 – Till June 2026)
- Total ethanol supplied: 717 crore litres
- Grain-based ethanol: 480 crore litres (67%)
- Sugarcane-based ethanol: 238 crore litres (33%)
- Maize remains the largest individual feedstock with 258 crore litres
- Surplus FCI grains contribute 177 crore litres, reinforcing feedstock diversification
- Overall contracted supply achieved: 68%
The Association President, Vijendra Singh, said that the 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. This diversification reduces dependence on any single crop, enhances year-round feedstock availability and strengthens India’s energy security. As the country moves beyond the E20 milestone, policy support for higher ethanol blends, Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), ethanol-diesel blending and next-generation biofuels will be essential to fully utilise the significant production capacity created by the industry,” he said.
Bharati Balaji, Deputy Director General, All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) added “India’s ethanol programme is now transitioning from a capacity-building phase to a resilience-building phase. The latest supply pattern reflects the success of policy interventions that have encouraged multiple feedstocks to participate in the programme. This balanced mix not only improves supply security but also creates greater flexibility for distilleries and strengthens the long-term sustainability of the ethanol ecosystem. Going forward, policy support for higher ethanol blends, flex-fuel mobility, and new ethanol applications will be critical to fully utilise the industry’s growing production capacity and sustain India’s clean energy transition.”
With production capacities continuing to expand, the industry is well-positioned to support higher blending targets in the coming years. AIDA believes that policy measures encouraging higher ethanol blends will play a critical role in unlocking the next phase of India’s biofuel journey while further reducing crude oil imports and lowering carbon emissions.
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Source : ChiniMandi
