India is preparing to accelerate the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can operate on ethanol blends of up to E85 (85% ethanol and 15% petrol) as part of a strategy to reduce dependence on crude oil imports. This initiative is driven by rising geopolitical tensions and volatility in the oil market, which has seen crude prices briefly exceed $100 per barrel. The current ethanol blending mandate is set at 20%, effective from 2025, but consumer complaints regarding reduced mileage have prompted a reevaluation. A working group, comprising representatives from oil marketing companies, automobile manufacturers, and government departments, is set to present a roadmap for the rollout of FFVs to senior executives and officials from key ministries. This policy shift reflects a growing recognition of the need for fuel diversification to enhance energy security, particularly as the transport sector significantly contributes to petrol consumption.