Business · India Bureau
India's ethanol output hits 9.87 billion litres as grain feedstocks dominate
India has accumulated nearly 9.87 billion litres of ethanol through September in the current supply year, with grain-based feedstocks accounting for over 71 per cent of total production. Oil marketing companies have achieved 82.5 per cent of their contracted allocation, according to industry data.
LSN India ·
India's ethanol receipts reached 9.87 billion litres by the end of September in Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26 (November-October), the All India Distillers' Association said Thursday. Against a total contracted allocation of 11.97 billion litres, the cumulative receipts represent a 82.5 per cent fulfilment rate, indicating steady progress in meeting renewable fuel targets.
Grain-based feedstocks have emerged as the primary driver of ethanol production, supplying 7.05 billion litres or 71.4 per cent of total receipts. Against an allocated 9.08 billion litres, grain feedstocks achieved a 77.6 per cent fulfilment rate. Maize dominated grain supplies, contributing 4.13 billion litres—over 41 per cent of total receipts—against an allocated quota of 6.14 billion litres.
Surplus rice from the Food Corporation of India supplied 2.22 billion litres against an allocated 2.33 billion litres, while damaged food grains contributed 700 crore litres, exceeding their 600 crore-litre allocation. These alternative grain sources underscore India's strategy of leveraging surplus and damaged stocks for ethanol production while supporting the government's blending mandate.
The data reflects India's ongoing efforts to boost ethanol blending in petrol, a key initiative aimed at reducing import dependence on crude oil and supporting domestic agricultural sectors through value-added processing.