Grain-based ethanol accounts for nearly 67% of supplies; maize remains the largest feedstock

The ongoing Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025–26 shows that grain-based feedstocks continue to dominate ethanol production, while a diversified mix of raw materials strengthens supply stability and enhances resilience.

As of June 2026, cumulative ethanol supplies have reached 717 crore litres against contracted volumes of 1,048 crore litres, representing an overall supply achievement of 68% during the ongoing supply year, according to the latest ethanol supply data released by the All India Distillers' Association (AIDA).

The latest data reveals that grain-based ethanol accounts for nearly 67% of total ethanol supplied (480 crore litres), while sugarcane-based feedstocks contribute 238 crore litres (33%).


While maize continues to be India's single largest feedstock with 258 crore litres of ethanol supplied, the latest supply pattern reflects an increasingly diversified feedstock ecosystem.

Ethanol produced from Surplus FCI grains has reached 177 crore litres, while Sugarcane Juice (SCJ) has contributed 144 crore litres, B-Heavy Molasses 82 crore litres, and Damaged Food Grains 45 crore litres.

Key Highlights (ESY 2025-26 – till June 2026)

• Total ethanol supplied: 717 crore litres
  
• Grain-based ethanol: 480 crore litres (67%)
  
• Sugarcane-based ethanol: 238 crore litres (33%)
  
• Maize remains the largest individual feedstock with 258 crore litres
  
• Surplus FCI grains contribute 177 crore litres, reinforcing feedstock diversification
  
• Overall contracted supply achieved: 68%
  

Vijendra Singh, President, All India Distillers' Association (AIDA), said, "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. This diversification reduces dependence on any single crop, enhances year-round feedstock availability and strengthens India's energy security. As the country moves beyond the E20 milestone, policy support for higher ethanol blends, Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), ethanol-diesel blending and next-generation biofuels will be essential to fully utilise the significant production capacity created by the industry."

Bharati Balaji, Deputy Director General, All India Distillers' Association (AIDA) added “India's ethanol programme is now transitioning from a capacity-building phase to a resilience-building phase. The latest supply pattern reflects the success of policy interventions that have encouraged multiple feedstocks to participate in the programme. This balanced mix not only improves supply security but also creates greater flexibility for distilleries and strengthens the long-term sustainability of the ethanol ecosystem. Going forward, policy support for higher ethanol blends, flex-fuel mobility, and new ethanol applications will be critical to fully utilise the industry's growing production capacity and sustain India's clean energy transition."