Ethanol fell to 1.74 USD/Gal on July 11, 2025, down 0.29% from the previous day. Over the past month, Ethanol's price has risen 4.83%, but it is still 9.64% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Ethanol - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Brazil BR: Consumer Fuel Price: Ethanol: Maximum data was reported at 6.490 BRL/l in Mar 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 6.490 BRL/l for Feb 2025. Brazil BR: Consumer Fuel Price: Ethanol: Maximum data is updated monthly, averaging 3.150 BRL/l from Jul 2001 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 284 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.989 BRL/l in Mar 2022 and a record low of 1.580 BRL/l in Jul 2001. Brazil BR: Consumer Fuel Price: Ethanol: Maximum data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Brazil – Table BR.PF002: Consumer Fuel Price: Brazil: Monthly. Note:The Survey of Price and Margin Fuels Marketing covers gasoline, hydrated ethanol fuel, diesel oil without additive, compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which have been surveyed in 555 locations, about 10% municipalities in Brazil, in accordance with procedures established by the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels.The results of the Survey of Price and Margin Fuels Marketing contain selling price to the final consumer and purchasing price from the wholesaler of gasoline, hydrated ethanol fuel, diesel oil without additive, CNG and LPG observed in each municipality which has participated in the survey.

In 2024, a liter of commercial hydrous ethanol fuel in Brazil was sold at an average price of **** Brazilian reals. This represented an increase of roughly three percent in comparison to the previous year, when Brazil's average sale price of ethanol fuel reached **** Brazilian reals. Hydrous ethanol accounts for most of the ethanol production in Brazil.

In November 2021, U.S. ethanol prices hit over $3.2 per gallon, doubling against the same period in 2020. Despite this, the last factory in the U.S. producing synthetic ethanol announced ceasing operations because it cannot compete with bioethanol in terms of costs. Government investments worth $26M will drive U.S. biofuel infrastructure development. A conflict between biofuel producers and the Environmental Protection Agency is coming to a head because the agency delayed issuing the 2022 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO). This document was expected to propel the bioethanol market by elevating the standards for the biofuel percentage used in blends with traditional gasoline and diesel.

The world benchmark for fuel ethanol - U.S. Omaha wholesale price - stood at 64.50 U.S. dollars per hectoliter in 2023. This annual average was lower than in the previous two years, after rising to a high of $70.75 per hectoliter in 2022.

Brazil BR: Wholesale Fuel Price: Ethanol: Average data was reported at 2.398 BRL/l in Aug 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.365 BRL/l for Jul 2020. Brazil BR: Wholesale Fuel Price: Ethanol: Average data is updated monthly, averaging 1.603 BRL/l from Jul 2001 (Median) to Aug 2020, with 230 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.931 BRL/l in Feb 2020 and a record low of 0.689 BRL/l in Aug 2002. Brazil BR: Wholesale Fuel Price: Ethanol: Average data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Brazil – Table BR.PF009: Distributor Fuel Price: Brazil: Monthly (Discontinued). Note:The Survey of Price and Margin Fuels Marketing covers gasoline, hydrated ethanol fuel, diesel oil without additive, compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which have been surveyed in 555 locations, about 10% municipalities in Brazil, in accordance with procedures established by the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels.The results of the Survey of Price and Margin Fuels Marketing contain selling price to the final consumer and purchasing price from the wholesaler of gasoline, hydrated ethanol fuel, diesel oil without additive, CNG and LPG observed in each municipality which has participated in the survey.

The Ethanol Fuel Production industry consists of companies that concentrate on producing nonpotable ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, for use as motor fuel. Products are primarily used as a biofuel additive for gasoline. According to the United States Department of Energy, more than 98.0% of gas in the United States contains some ethanol. Ethanol fuel is a domestically produced alternative to traditional fuel, generally made from corn. The dry-milling process, which composes most ethanol plants in the US, involves converting corn to flour and fermenting it to form ethanol. This makes operations highly sensitive to commodity prices, such as the world price of crude oil and corn. The industry has encountered significantly volatile conditions attributed to heavy fluctuations in commodity prices, prompting significant changes in the price of ethanol. Amid the onset of the pandemic in 2020, the cost of ethanol fell considerably because of reduced demand, resulting in collapsing industry revenue that year. As the economy reopened in 2021, demand returned and the price of ethanol surged. Trends reversed in 2023 and 2024 as corn and ethanol prices plummeted. Still, the enormous rise in 2021 effectively offset all other declines, enabling the industry to boom overall. Ethanol Fuel Production industry revenue has been accelerating at a CAGR of 5.0% over the past five years and is expected to total $32.3 billion in 2024, when revenue will fall by an estimated 5.9%. Profit also increased because of higher industry selling prices and a drop in wages. The industry will fare worse going forward, with a slated contraction. This contraction can be attributed to declines in the price of crude oil and subsequent decreases in the price of ethanol. Since most of the industry's meteoric growth was due to price increases, not production, falling commodity prices will cause industry revenue to regress. Ethanol Fuel Production industry revenue is expected to inch downward at a CAGR of 0.4% to $31.6 billion over the five years to 2029.

In 2024, the price for ethanol fuel sales in Colombia averaged 15.78 thousand Colombian pesos per gallon, the highest price reported during the period in consideration. That year, figures more than doubled the record low average price recorded in 2019, at some 7.65 thousand Colombian pesos per gallon. In most Colombian departments, ethanol fuel is to be added to commercialized gasoline at a minimum mandated blend of six percent.

Brazil BR: Consumer Fuel Price: Ethanol: Average data was reported at 4.350 BRL/l in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4.380 BRL/l for Feb 2025. Brazil BR: Consumer Fuel Price: Ethanol: Average data is updated monthly, averaging 2.011 BRL/l from Jul 2001 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 284 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.370 BRL/l in Nov 2021 and a record low of 0.912 BRL/l in Aug 2002. Brazil BR: Consumer Fuel Price: Ethanol: Average data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Brazil – Table BR.PF002: Consumer Fuel Price: Brazil: Monthly. Note:The Survey of Price and Margin Fuels Marketing covers gasoline, hydrated ethanol fuel, diesel oil without additive, compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which have been surveyed in 555 locations, about 10% municipalities in Brazil, in accordance with procedures established by the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels.The results of the Survey of Price and Margin Fuels Marketing contain selling price to the final consumer and purchasing price from the wholesaler of gasoline, hydrated ethanol fuel, diesel oil without additive, CNG and LPG observed in each municipality which has participated in the survey.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Fuel Ethanol market size will be USD 88515.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 35405.20 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 26554.65 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 20358.57 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 4425.78 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 1770.31 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The Synthetic held the highest Fuel Ethanol market revenue share in 2024.

Market Dynamics of Fuel Ethanol Market

Key Drivers for Fuel Ethanol Market

Renewable Energy Goals to Increase the Demand Globally: Governments globally are championing renewable energy to cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change. Ethanol, a biofuel made from agricultural crops, supports these objectives by providing a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Many countries implement mandates or incentives to boost ethanol use, recognizing its role in reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy sustainability. These policies aim to foster a shift towards greener energy sources, helping mitigate environmental impact and promote long-term ecological balance. Through such initiatives, ethanol becomes a key player in advancing global renewable energy goals.

Energy Security to Propel Market Growth: Reducing reliance on fossil fuels strengthens energy security by diversifying fuel sources and minimizing dependence on imported oil. Ethanol production plays a crucial role in this strategy by providing a renewable, domestically sourced alternative. By integrating ethanol into the energy mix, countries can decrease their vulnerability to volatile oil markets and geopolitical uncertainties. This shift not only promotes stability in energy supply but also supports local economies through agricultural and industrial investments. Enhanced energy security through ethanol contributes to a more resilient and self-sufficient energy infrastructure, ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future.

Key Restraint Factor for the Fuel Ethanol Market

Food vs. Fuel Debate to Limit the Sales: The food versus fuel debate centers on concerns that dedicating agricultural land to ethanol production may impact food security and drive up food prices. As land and crops are diverted from food production to biofuel use, it raises fears of reduced food supply and higher costs for consumers. This tension can constrain the growth of ethanol production, as policymakers balance the benefits of renewable energy against potential negative effects on food availability. Addressing these concerns requires innovative solutions to optimize land use and enhance crop yields, ensuring that both energy and food needs are met sustainably.

Key Trends for Fuel Ethanol Market

Transition to Second-Generation (Cellulosic) Ethanol: Recent advancements are facilitating the production of ethanol from non-food biomass, such as agricultural waste. These developments mitigate the food-versus-fuel dilemma and promote enhanced sustainability. Second-generation ethanol is attracting interest due to its long-term ecological advantages.

Strategic Alliances and Expansion of Global Trade: Nations are progressively establishing trade agreements for the import and export of ethanol. Brazil and the United States are prominent exporters, while the Asia-Pacific region and Europe serve as significant consumers. These international supply chains improve availability and contribute to price stability.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Fuel Ethanol Market

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the fuel ethanol market, causing a sharp decline in demand due to reduced transportation activity and economic slowdow...

The retail price for E85 fuel in the United States stood at **** U.S. dollars per gasoline gallon equivalent on January 1, 2025. E85 fuel tends to sell for around **** to **** U.S. dollars more than regular gasoline, although the discrepancy was greater in 2022. The lowest fuel prices were recorded in April 2020 - at the height of the pandemic-induced oil crisis, when the E85 fuel price was **** U.S. dollars per gasoline gallon equivalent. E85 fuel is an ** percent ethanol fuel blended with gasoline. Biofuel share in transportation duel demand to increase The consumption of fuel ethanol in the United States has seen notable growth, reaching approximately **** billion gallons in 2023. This increase aligns with the expanding role of biofuels in the transportation sector, which accounted for about ***** percent of fuel demand in 2023. Projections suggest this share will rise to ***** percent by 2030, even as overall fuel demand is expected to decrease. Economic impact of the ethanol industry Beyond its role in fuel markets, the ethanol industry has become a significant contributor to the U.S. economy. In 2023, it generated around ****** direct jobs and ******* indirect or induced jobs. The industry's economic footprint extended to a **** billion U.S. dollar contribution to the country's GDP and **** billion U.S. dollars in household income. This economic impact, coupled with the ongoing trade in biofuels - including exports of over *** million barrels of biodiesel in 2023 - demonstrates the multifaceted significance of the biofuel sector in the United States.

China Transaction Price: Fuel Ethanol: Beijing data was reported at 6,500.000 RMB/Ton in Aug 2015. This stayed constant from the previous number of 6,500.000 RMB/Ton for Jul 2015. China Transaction Price: Fuel Ethanol: Beijing data is updated monthly, averaging 4,650.000 RMB/Ton from Jan 2003 (Median) to Aug 2015, with 127 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7,600.000 RMB/Ton in Aug 2006 and a record low of 4,200.000 RMB/Ton in Apr 2003. China Transaction Price: Fuel Ethanol: Beijing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PH: Ethanol Price: 36 City.

In March 2025, the price for corn-based ethanol sales in Argentina reached nearly 684 thousand Argentine pesos per liter. This represented a nearly four-fold increase in comparison to a year earlier. That same month, the price for ethanol from sugarcane stood at 746.6 pesos per liter. These prices refer to sales for the mandated ethanol blend in gasoline the country.

Ethanol Price in Canada - 2023. Find the latest marketing data on the IndexBox platform.

Fuel Ethanol Market size was valued to be USD 95.48 Billion in the year 2023 and it is expected to reach USD 148.66 Billion in 2031, at a CAGR of 5.69% over the forecast period of 2024 to 2031.

Fuel ethanol is a renewable, domestically produced biofuel made from plant materials like corn, sugarcane, or cellulosic biomass that can be mixed with gasoline or used as an alternative fuel source. It is used as a gasoline additive to increase octane and improve vehicle emissions as it burns cleaner and cooler than pure gasoline, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The production of fuel ethanol involves the fermentation of sugars derived from plant materials, a process similar to brewing beer, followed by distillation to increase the alcohol concentration. Fuel ethanol has been promoted as a way to reduce dependence on imported oil, support domestic agriculture, and contribute to environmental sustainability by utilizing renewable resources and reducing harmful emissions from the transportation sector.

Government Policies and Mandates: The growth of the fuel ethanol market is being driven by government policies and mandates aimed at promoting the use of renewable fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. These policies, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in the United States and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) in the European Union, mandate the blending of biofuels like ethanol with gasoline, creating a consistent demand for fuel ethanol. Concerns over Energy Security: The need to reduce dependence on imported oil is fueling the demand for domestically produced fuel ethanol as an alternative to gasoline derived from crude oil. Fuel ethanol is perceived as a means to enhance energy security by diversifying the transportation fuel mix and relying more on locally produced biofuels. Economic Benefits for Rural Communities: The production of fuel ethanol is creating economic opportunities in rural areas where feedstocks, such as corn and sugarcane, are grown and processed. This economic impact, including job creation and income generation, is driving support for the fuel ethanol industry from agricultural communities and policymakers. Technological Advancements: Continuous advancements in the production processes, feedstock utilization, and conversion technologies are improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of fuel ethanol production. These technological advancements, including the development of advanced biofuels from cellulosic biomass, are contributing to the growth of the fuel ethanol market. Environmental Considerations: Fuel ethanol is being promoted as a cleaner-burning alternative to gasoline, as it produces lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduces air pollution from the transportation sector. The perceived environmental benefits of fuel ethanol are driving its adoption as part of efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve air quality.

The north and north-east regions of Brazil had the highest average sale price of ethanol fuel in 2023, with figures amounting to 4.54 and 4.32 Brazilian reals per liter, respectively. Meanwhile, the central-west region had the lowest price, standing below the national average, at 3.63 Brazilian reals per liter. That year, Brazil's ethanol fuel production surpassed 35 million cubic meters.

Corn Based Ethanol Fuel Market Outlook

The global corn based ethanol fuel market size was estimated to be $XX billion in 2023 and is forecasted to reach $XX billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of XX% during the forecast period. The market growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for renewable energy sources and government mandates on blending ethanol with gasoline to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

One of the primary growth factors of the corn based ethanol fuel market is the increasing environmental awareness and the need to curb carbon emissions. Ethanol, being a renewable source of energy, contributes to lower carbon emissions when compared to traditional fossil fuels. This has led to various governments implementing policies and incentives to promote the use of ethanol. Additionally, the agriculture sector's vast production capacity of corn provides a stable supply of the raw material needed for ethanol production, bolstering market growth.

Technological advancements in production processes are another significant driver for market growth. Innovations such as enzyme technologies and genetically modified crops that yield higher ethanol output per acre of corn have made the production process more efficient and cost-effective. This has significantly reduced the overall cost of ethanol production, making it more competitive with conventional fuels. Furthermore, the development of advanced fermentation techniques and distillation processes has enhanced the quality and efficiency of ethanol production, encouraging its adoption across various industries.

The rising focus on energy security is also a crucial factor contributing to the market's expansion. Countries are increasingly looking to diversify their energy portfolios to reduce reliance on oil imports. Corn based ethanol fuel offers a domestically produced alternative that can help achieve this goal. The volatility of oil prices and geopolitical tensions further underscore the importance of developing a stable and renewable energy source like ethanol, which can be produced locally in many agricultural regions.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the corn based ethanol fuel market, driven by the United States' leadership in ethanol production. The U.S. has long been a front-runner in implementing biofuel policies, and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program mandates substantial ethanol blending in fuels. In contrast, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, fueled by increasing industrialization, urbanization, and government initiatives promoting biofuels in countries like China and India.

Production Process Analysis

The production process of corn based ethanol fuel is primarily segmented into dry milling and wet milling. Dry milling is the most commonly used process for ethanol production, accounting for a significant share of the market. In this process, the corn kernel is ground into a fine powder, and the starch is converted into ethanol through fermentation. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the dry milling process make it a popular choice among ethanol producers. Additionally, advancements in dry milling technologies have improved the yield and efficiency of ethanol production, further boosting its adoption.

Wet milling, although less prevalent than dry milling, plays a critical role in the production of corn based ethanol fuel. In this process, the corn kernel is soaked in water and then separated into its various components, including starch, fiber, and germ. The starch is then fermented to produce ethanol. Wet milling allows for the co-production of valuable by-products such as corn oil, gluten feed, and gluten meal, which can be sold to offset production costs. This makes wet milling an attractive option for producers looking to maximize their profitability through multiple revenue streams.

Technological advancements have also impacted the wet milling process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Innovations in enzyme technologies and fermentation processes have increased the ethanol yield from wet milling, making it a more viable option for large-scale production. Additionally, the ability to produce high-quality by-products has attracted significant investments in wet milling facilities, further driving market growth.

Another critical factor influencing the production process segment is the availability of raw materials. The abundance of c

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Bioethanol in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

The global automotive ethanol gasoline market is poised for substantial growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of, let's assume, 7% between 2025 and 2033. This projection is based on the increasing adoption of flex-fuel vehicles, stringent emission regulations globally pushing for cleaner fuel alternatives, and government incentives aimed at promoting biofuel usage. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $50 billion (USD), considering the widespread use of ethanol blends in gasoline, particularly in regions like North America and South America. Key drivers include the rising demand for sustainable transportation fuels, fluctuating crude oil prices making ethanol a cost-competitive option, and advancements in ethanol production technologies leading to higher efficiency and reduced costs. Market segmentation reveals significant contributions from passenger vehicles, followed by commercial vehicles, mirroring the overall automotive market trends. Major players like ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil, and Petrobras are actively involved in ethanol production and distribution, shaping the market landscape through strategic investments and partnerships. However, the market also faces certain challenges. The production of ethanol itself has environmental concerns related to land use and water consumption, which needs to be addressed through sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, the infrastructure required for efficient ethanol distribution and blending needs further development in several regions, limiting market penetration. Competition from other biofuels and the price volatility of corn (a major feedstock for ethanol) are additional restraints to consider. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook for automotive ethanol gasoline remains optimistic, driven by the growing urgency to decarbonize the transportation sector and the increasing availability of flexible-fuel vehicles worldwide. The ongoing shift toward sustainability in the automotive industry will continue to stimulate demand and provide ample opportunities for market growth.

Cellulose Fuel Ethanol Market Outlook

The global cellulose fuel ethanol market size was valued at approximately USD 4.5 billion in 2023, and it is projected to reach an estimated USD 15.4 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8% during the forecast period. This substantial growth is largely driven by increasing environmental concerns, government incentives for renewable energy, and advancements in production technologies.

One of the key growth factors of the cellulose fuel ethanol market is the increasing global focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Governments around the world are implementing stringent regulations and providing subsidies to promote the use of renewable fuels. Cellulose fuel ethanol, derived from plant materials and waste, offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and significantly reduces carbon emissions, making it a preferred choice for eco-friendly energy solutions. The transportation sector, in particular, has been witnessing a shift towards biofuels to meet sustainability goals, further propelling market growth.

Technological advancements in the production processes of cellulose fuel ethanol have also played a crucial role in market expansion. Innovations in biochemical, thermochemical, and hybrid processes have improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cellulose ethanol production. Research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing the conversion rates of cellulose to ethanol and reducing production costs are attracting significant investments. Furthermore, the development of genetically engineered microbes and enzymes to optimize the breakdown of cellulose fibers into fermentable sugars has been a game-changer, boosting the commercial viability of cellulose ethanol.

Fuel Ethanol plays a pivotal role in the global shift towards renewable energy sources. As a biofuel, it is derived from plant materials, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The production and use of Fuel Ethanol significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. Its application in the transportation sector is particularly noteworthy, as ethanol-blended fuels help decrease the carbon footprint of vehicles. The growing demand for cleaner energy solutions continues to drive advancements in Fuel Ethanol production technologies, ensuring its position as a key player in the renewable energy landscape.

An additional factor contributing to the market's growth is the increasing adoption of cellulose ethanol in various industrial applications. Beyond its primary use as a transportation fuel, cellulose ethanol is gaining traction in power generation and other industrial processes as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The industrial sector's efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources and reduce operational carbon footprints are expected to provide sustained market momentum. Moreover, the global trend towards circular economy practices, where waste materials are repurposed into valuable products, aligns well with the principles of cellulose ethanol production from agricultural and forest residues, as well as municipal solid waste.

Regionally, North America has been at the forefront of the cellulose fuel ethanol market, driven by favorable government policies and significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure. However, other regions such as Asia Pacific and Europe are also witnessing rapid growth. The Asia Pacific region, in particular, is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by increasing government initiatives, rising environmental awareness, and expanding production capacities. EuropeÂ’s stringent environmental regulations and aggressive renewable energy targets further bolster its market position, while Latin American countries are exploring cellulose ethanol to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and diversify their energy portfolios.

Feedstock Type Analysis

The cellulose fuel ethanol market is segmented based on feedstock type, which includes agricultural residues, forest residues, energy crops, municipal solid waste, and others. Agricultural residues, such as corn stover, wheat straw, and rice husks, are among the most commonly used feedstocks due to their abundance and low cost. Agricultural residues present an attractive feedstock option as they provide a sustainable way to utilize waste materials from farming activities, contributing