While standard petrol currently sold in the market contains 20 percent ethanol and is classified as E20, E85 contains 85 percent ethanol. In Mumbai, E20 petrol is priced at Rs 111.21 per litre, making E85 cheaper by Rs 20.03 per litre. However, E85 in Mumbai is priced Rs 9.06 per litre higher than in Delhi.
To distinguish it from other fuel varieties, E85 dispensing stations have been provided with unique branding. Despite its lower price, E85 has lower energy density than E20 petrol, resulting in reduced fuel efficiency. During a real-world mileage test conducted with a Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 motorcycle, fuel efficiency with E85 dropped by 24.40 percent compared with E20 petrol.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri clarified that E85 fuel is meant exclusively for flex-fuel vehicles and should not be used in regular E20-compatible vehicles. He stated that the introduction of E85 does not indicate the discontinuation of E20 or conventional petrol vehicles.
The government plans to establish 5,000 E85 dispensing stations across the country by the end of 2027. As part of the initial phase, around 50 to 100 E85 stations are expected to be operational along the Delhi-NCR and Mumbai-Pune-Nagpur corridors by the end of 2026.
At present, only a limited number of vehicles in India support E85 fuel. Apart from the Hero Splendor+ and Hero HF Deluxe motorcycles, the newly launched Maruti Wagon R Bioflex is the only other E85-compatible vehicle available in the country.
The arrival of E85 fuel in Mumbai represents a major milestone in India's transition towards ethanol-based mobility. With expansion plans already underway and dedicated infrastructure being developed, the move highlights the government's broader strategy to increase the use of alternative fuels while maintaining support for existing petrol-powered vehicles.
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