Exclusive: Govt to hold key ethanol stakeholder meeting at 4 pm today after E85, E100 fuel draft release

In a significant development for India’s alternative fuel roadmap, a high-level meeting between government officials and ethanol industry stakeholders will be held today at 4 pm, according to the sources. Leading industry bodies, including the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), All India Distillers Association (AIDA), and Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA), are expected to attend.

Senior officials from the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), the agriculture ministry, and other concerned departments are also expected to participate. The meeting comes shortly after the release of the draft framework for E85 and E100 fuels, underlining the government’s focus on expanding ethanol adoption and provisions for alternative fuels.

MoRTH issues draft notification to amend motor vehicle rules

Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The development also confirms earlier reporting by Zee Business. The draft has been published under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and will be open for public feedback for 30 days from the date it is made available in the Gazette of India. Stakeholders have been invited to submit objections or suggestions to the ministry within this period.

Key provisions to promote alternative fuels

The draft regulations present multiple essential modifications which will support alternative fuel development while establishing new regulatory definitions. The regulations will include E85 and E100 ethanol fuels together with B100 biodiesel blends as part of their official framework. The government plans to broaden fuel definitions by adding higher ethanol and biodiesel blends which will strengthen existing alternative fuel regulations.

Updates on Hydrogen+CNG and emission norms

In addition, the draft includes revisions related to hydrogen-CNG (HCNG) vehicles, including a correction in terminology to “Hydrogen+CNG.” Changes have also been proposed in emission-related tables, including updates to fuel categories such as E10 and E20 gasoline blends, and the inclusion of E85 or E100 in multiple regulatory columns.

Proposed changes in vehicle weight and technical norms

The notification further proposes increasing the gross vehicle weight limit from 3000 kg to 3500 kg in specific categories. Technical corrections and updates have also been suggested in emission measurement units, test cycle values, and nomenclature within the rules. These include changes such as updating fuel blend references (including E85 or E100 across tables) and revisions in emission measurement units and test parameters.

As part of the proposed amendments, references related to E100 vehicle standards have been updated, including a change from 'Annexure S' to 'Annexure SA.'

Push towards flex-fuel policy implementation

The draft reflects a broader push towards flex-fuel policy implementation and signals major changes being prepared under the flex-fuel policy framework. The government will consider all stakeholder feedback before finalising the rules.