Maize Surpasses Sugarcane as India's Leading Ethanol Feedstock
Maize emerges as India’s top ethanol feedstock as supplies surpass 515 crore litres
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
India's ethanol supplies reached approximately 515 crore litres in the first half of the Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26, with maize emerging as the largest feedstock. This shift highlights a significant change in the biofuel landscape, supporting India's clean energy goals and rural investments.
- 01Maize is now the largest contributor to India's ethanol supply, with 182 crore litres supplied.
- 02Total ethanol supplies for the first half of the year reached 515 crore litres, nearly 49% of the contracted volume.
- 03Sugarcane-based distilleries contributed 182 crore litres, achieving 62% of their contracted volumes.
- 04The increase in maize utilization is expected to drive investments in rural supply chains and storage infrastructure.
- 05Industry leaders emphasize the need for long-term policy support to enhance India's biofuel sector.
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In the first half of the Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26, India’s cumulative ethanol supplies reached approximately 515 crore litres, representing nearly 49% of the total contracted volume of 1,059 crore litres. Notably, maize has emerged as the largest ethanol feedstock, contributing around 182 crore litres. This shift signifies a structural change in India's biofuel landscape, as maize offers advantages such as year-round availability and lower water requirements compared to other feedstocks. Sugarcane-based distilleries also performed well, supplying 182 crore litres, with sugarcane juice being the largest contributor at approximately 130 crore litres. The steady increase in ethanol supplies is viewed positively for India's clean energy transition, aligning with global trends to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Industry experts stress the importance of long-term policy support to unlock the full potential of India's ethanol program, which is rapidly evolving into a global leader in biofuels.
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The shift to maize as a primary ethanol feedstock is expected to enhance rural investments and farmer incomes while contributing to India's clean energy initiatives.
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