India’s effort towards alternative fuels has taken a major step forward with the launch of E85 fuel in Delhi. Introduced on World Environment Day, the new ethanol-blended fuel is priced at Rs 82.12 per liter in the national capital, making it about Rs 20 cheaper than regular E20 petrol, which currently sells at Rs 102.12 per litre.The first E85 fuel dispenser in Delhi is at an Indian Oil outlet. It was inaugurated by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. E85 fuel contains 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.At first glance, the low price seems attractive, especially at a time when fuel prices remain high. However, there is one big problem. Currently, only three vehicles in India are compatible with E85 fuel. These include the newly launched Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel, Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel and Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV. No other production car or motorcycle on sale in India can officially run on E85 fuel at this time.Hero MotoCorp recently launched its first flex-fuel commuter motorcycle in India. Splendor+ Flex Fuel is priced at Rs 82,710, ex-showroom Delhi, while HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is priced at Rs 72,792, ex-showroom. Both motorcycles use a redesigned 97.2cc single-cylinder engine that is capable of operating on ethanol blends up to E85.Meanwhile, Suzuki already sells the Gixxer SF 250 FFV in India. Price Rs 1.98 lakh, ex-showroom. Maruti Suzuki has showcased the E85-compatible Wagon R Flex Fuel several times over the years. However, the company has not yet officially launched the car or announced pricing details. After launch, it could become India’s first flex-fuel passenger car.The rollout of E85 fuel will be limited initially. This fuel is currently being offered at select Indian Oil outlets in Delhi-NCR and Maharashtra. The government plans to expand this network significantly in the next two years. According to Hardeep Singh Puri, around 500 ethanol distribution stations will be operational by the end of 2026, while the target is to reach 5,000 outlets by 2027.
Price of new E85 fuel in Delhi Rs 20 less than petrol! this is the problem
