India Ethanol Supplies Exceed 800 Crore Litres in 2025-26

India's ethanol supply programme has achieved a significant benchmark, surpassing the 800-crore-litre mark in the ethanol supply year 2025-26, as reported by the All India Distillers' Association (AIDA). In July alone, a total of 93 crore litres of ethanol were supplied, contributing to this milestone with grain-based feedstocks making a substantial impact.

During the month of July, grain-based feedstocks accounted for approximately 71 crore litres, which is about 76 per cent of the total supplies, a slight increase from about 73 per cent in June. In June, grain-based ethanol contributed 75 crore litres from a total of 103 crore litres supplied. This trend indicates a stabilisation in the grain-based segment, even as overall monthly ethanol supplies showed some moderation.

The data from July reflects a remarkable shift within the grain-based segment. Maize and surplus food grains managed by the Food Corporation of India each contributed around 30 crore litres in July, which collectively amounted to nearly 85 per cent of the grain-based supplies for that month. Additionally, damaged food grains added another 11 crore litres to the total.

The comparable contributions from maize and surplus food grain resources underscore the flexible nature of the domestic ethanol supply chain, which is increasingly able to utilise various agricultural products. Maize has remained a prominent contributor, while the significant input from surplus FCI grains illustrates the effectiveness of designated surplus food grains in bolstering domestic biofuel production.

On the other hand, sugarcane-based feedstocks contributed 22 crore litres in July, a decline from 28 crore litres in June. This change resulted in sugarcane's monthly share of total ethanol supplies decreasing from roughly 27 per cent in June to 24 per cent in July. The overall data indicates that India's ethanol sector is evolving, focusing more on diverse feedstock sources to meet growing supply requirements efficiently, while also navigating fluctuations in demand.