According to the supplied report, the bench raised the issue while referring to recent media reports about the fuel. The Centre responded that introducing 100% ethanol fuel would require major changes to the existing system.
The hearing comes just four days after the government reportedly approved the use of 100% ethanol fuel. The court’s question focused on the practical arrangements needed to make the fuel available, including the changes that may be required to support its supply.
Ethanol is blended with petrol in India as part of the country’s efforts to increase the use of alternative fuels. Moving to fuel containing 100% ethanol would represent a significant shift from existing petrol-blending practices and would require suitable arrangements across the supply chain.
The Centre’s response indicated that substantial changes would be necessary, although the supplied report did not specify which infrastructure, distribution systems or vehicle-related requirements would need modification.
The matter was being considered alongside petitions relating to ESY 2025–26. Details of any further directions issued by the Supreme Court, or the government’s proposed implementation timeline, were not available in the supplied information.
