Centre Notifies E100 Fuel Rules, Sets Emission Norms, Clarifies Regular Car LimitsThe Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified amendments to Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 to formally recognise E100 fuel alongside E85. The notification, issued on the 26th of October, establishes a regulatory and technical framework governing vehicle emission certification and testing for models designed to run on high ethanol concentrations.
The revision does not permit regular petrol or internal combustion engine vehicles to run on E100. Currently, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR Flex Fuel remains the only passenger car model unveiled in India with E100 compatibility.
Tracing India's ethanol journey from pilot blending in 2001 to reaching 20 percent blending levels in 2025-26, the report notes international precedents in Brazil, the United States, Thailand, and France. However, domestic motorists have expressed concerns over lack of fuel choice, potential engine damage, and diminished vehicle mileage.