Grain-Based Ethanol Accounts for 67% of India's Supplies in ESY 2025-26 Till June

India's ethanol blending programme continued to rely primarily on grain-based feedstocks during the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26, with grain accounting for nearly 67 per cent of total ethanol supplied till June, according to the latest data released by the All India Distillers' Association (AIDA).

As of June 2026, cumulative ethanol supplies stood at 717 crore litres against contracted volumes of 1,048 crore litres, translating to a supply achievement of 68 per cent for the ongoing supply year. Grain-based ethanol contributed 480 crore litres, while sugarcane-based feedstocks accounted for 238 crore litres.

Among individual feedstocks, maize remained the largest contributor with 258 crore litres of ethanol supplied. Ethanol produced from surplus Food Corporation of India (FCI) grains contributed 177 crore litres, followed by sugarcane juice at 144 crore litres, B-heavy molasses at 82 crore litres and damaged food grains at 45 crore litres. According to AIDA, the wider mix of feedstocks has reduced dependence on a single crop and supported year-round ethanol availability.

The association said the current supply pattern reflects increasing diversification in India's ethanol production ecosystem as the country continues its ethanol blending programme.

"The latest ethanol supply data demonstrates that India's biofuel programme has evolved into a robust and resilient ecosystem driven by diversified feedstocks. While maize continues to be the largest contributor, the increasing participation of surplus food grains and sugarcane-based feedstocks reflects the strength of a balanced supply chain," said Vijendra Singh, President, All India Distillers' Association (AIDA).

According to AIDA, India's ethanol industry has expanded production capacity across both grain and sugar sectors in recent years, supported by government policies and investments. The association added that future policy support for higher ethanol blends, flex-fuel vehicles and new ethanol applications would be important to utilise the industry's expanding production capacity.