Nitin Gadkari has stated that flex-fuel passenger vehicles from Maruti Suzuki capable of running on 100 percent ethanol fuel will be launched in India on June 5, 2026, marking Environment Day.
The minister made the announcement while addressing attendees at the 19th Rozgar Mela organised by the Government of India. Gadkari said the move is part of the country’s broader push towards cleaner and locally produced fuel alternatives.
India’s Shift Towards Ethanol-Based Fuels
Over the last few years, the Indian government has increased focus on ethanol blending in petrol. India has already adopted E20 fuel, which contains 20 percent ethanol blended with petrol. The transition was aimed at reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and lowering vehicle emissions.
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During his address, Gadkari highlighted that India currently imports around 87 percent of its fuel requirements. According to the minister, increasing the use of ethanol and other indigenous fuels could help reduce import dependence while supporting cleaner mobility solutions.
Maruti Suzuki’s Previous Flex-Fuel Prototypes
Maruti Suzuki has showcased multiple flex-fuel prototype vehicles in recent years. At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, the company displayed the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Flex Fuel, which was compatible with E85 fuel.
Before that, the company had also showcased the Maruti Suzuki WagonR Flex Fuel in India. Both vehicles were developed to run on higher ethanol blends, though they were not compatible with E100 fuel at the time. Following Gadkari’s latest announcement, it is expected that one or more of these models could be introduced with compatibility for 100 percent ethanol fuel.
Ethanol Discussions Gain Momentum In India
Ethanol blending and flex-fuel technology have become major topics within India’s automotive sector as the country looks at alternative fuel options alongside electric mobility and hybrid technology.
India is currently the world’s third-largest automobile market, and several global manufacturers have already showcased flex-fuel concepts and ethanol-compatible vehicles for the Indian market. However, commercial launches of passenger vehicles capable of running on 100 percent ethanol have not taken place so far. The upcoming launch from Maruti Suzuki could mark one of the first entries in this segment for the Indian passenger vehicle market.
Elctrik Speaks
The announcement indicates that flex-fuel technology is likely to become a more visible part of India’s alternative fuel strategy alongside electric vehicles, hybrids and CNG-powered mobility solutions. The focus on ethanol-compatible vehicles also reflects the government’s continued push towards reducing fuel imports and expanding the use of domestically produced fuels.