★ The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has once again urged the government to allow dedicated E100 (100% ethanol) fuel dispensing stations. The industry believes the move will accelerate the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles, reduce logistics costs, and make E100 fuel 30–35% cheaper than E20.

★ India currently has an ethanol production capacity of around 2,000 crore litres, while annual demand from oil marketing companies is only 1,100–1,200 crore litres. Slower procurement has left many distilleries with surplus capacity and under financial stress. According to the industry, approval for E100 fuel pumps would boost ethanol consumption, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and support India's clean energy transition.

★ Higher adoption of E100 is also expected to increase the demand for maize and rice, the two key feedstocks used for ethanol production in India.