India denies reports of US ethanol imports for fuel blending

The Indian government on Thursday, August 6, 2026, categorically denied media reports suggesting it is importing or planning to import large quantities of fuel ethanol from the United States, firmly stating its national biofuel program remains entirely reliant on domestic production. The Commerce Ministry issued a statement describing the claims as baseless and factually incorrect, emphasizing that no trade concessions or commitments regarding ethanol imports have been made in ongoing bilateral negotiations with the U.S.

Officials clarified that ethanol used under the national Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme is strictly sourced from domestic producers. The ministry's statement asserted that India's fuel blending program and ethanol procurement continue to be governed solely by the country's domestic policy requirements. It added that any suggestion of a policy change to permit large-scale imports of fuel ethanol from the U.S. is misleading.

The clarification comes amid broader controversy over the government's push to make E20 petrol, blended with 20 percent ethanol, the default fuel at retail outlets. Opponents have raised concerns about reduced fuel efficiency,...