The government has finalised regulations that will legally permit the use of 100% ethanol as a transportation fuel, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on June 10, 2026.
Speaking in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Gadkari said he had signed the file approving the regulations on June 9, paving the way for wider adoption of ethanol-powered vehicles in India.
According to ANI, Gadkari said the move follows the launch of a 100% ethanol-compatible version of the Maruti Suzuki WagonR and that several automakers are preparing to introduce vehicles capable of running entirely on ethanol.
The minister said additional manufacturers, including Toyota, Suzuki, MG and Hyundai, are expected to introduce vehicles compatible with 100% ethanol within the next six weeks.
The development marks another step in the government's efforts to diversify India's transportation energy mix and reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels. Ethanol has been promoted as an alternative fuel through the country's ethanol blending programme, which has steadily increased the proportion of ethanol mixed with petrol in recent years.
“Last night at 8 PM, I signed the file, finalising the regulations to legally authorise the use of 100% ethanol,” Gadkari said, adding that several automakers are preparing to launch vehicles capable of running entirely on the biofuel.
In addition to ethanol initiatives, Gadkari said a pilot project involving hydrogen mobility will soon be launched in Nagpur. The project will include a hydrogen refuelling station and two hydrogen-powered buses that will be made available for public transportation.
According to the minister, the buses will operate on green hydrogen produced from water using electrolysis technology. The pilot is intended to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen as another alternative fuel option for the transport sector.
The announcement comes as policymakers and vehicle manufacturers continue to explore multiple pathways, including biofuels, battery-electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered mobility, to support the transition towards lower-emission transportation solutions.