India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has lifted the weight threshold for light petrol and diesel vehicles from 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg to accommodate the new E100 flex‑fuel rule.
Only cars that have been certified for E20–E100 blends can tap into the higher ethanol content; conventional petrol models cannot switch to E85 or E100 without modifications.
Maruti Suzuki’s Wagon R Flex‑Fuel, launched in June, was the first model to be cleared for E20–E100, and automakers such as Toyota, Tata Motors and Hyundai are now lining up new variants for the Indian market.
The shift follows years of ethanol‑blended fuel promotion aimed at cutting crude oil imports and easing the current account deficit; E20 is already available nationwide, but E100 will offer a near‑pure biofuel option that could shave fuel expenses and emissions.
The rule takes effect immediately after notification, and buyers of flex‑fuel‑certified cars should check their vehicle’s compatibility before filling up, as the national rollout will bring E100 stations to major metros in the coming months.