India's ethanol blending program recorded a total supply of approximately 515 crore litres during the first six months of the 2025 to 2026 Ethanol Supply Year. According to data compiled by the All India Distillers Association, the industry has delivered nearly 49 percent of the total contracted volume of 1,059 crore litres for the current supply year. The production showed sustained momentum across recent months, with supplies crossing 102 crore litres in December 2025, 95 crore litres in March 2026, and 92 crore litres in April 2026.
Within the total supply, grain based distilleries emerged as the primary volume driver, contributing approximately 333 crore litres during the period. A significant structural shift in the feedstock landscape is the rise of maize, which has become the single largest ethanol feedstock in the country. Maize based ethanol accounted for 182 crore litres of the supply. Additional grain contributions included 125 crore litres from surplus food grains and 26 crore litres from damaged food grains. Industry stakeholders suggest the increased reliance on maize offers long term scalability and requires substantially less water compared to other traditional feedstocks.
Sugarcane based distilleries also maintained steady output, supplying nearly 182 crore litres to achieve around 62 percent of their specific contracted volumes. Sugarcane juice contributed the highest volume within this category at approximately 130 crore litres. B heavy and C heavy molasses accounted for 45 crore litres and 7 crore litres respectively.
Representatives from the All India Distillers Association indicated that the sector is prepared to support higher blending targets and next generation biofuel applications. The industry body has urged policymakers to accelerate incentives for flex fuel vehicles, sustainable aviation fuel, and long term feedstock diversification strategies to further reduce national reliance on imported crude oil.