Ethanol traded flat at 1.87 USD/Gal on September 26, 2025. Over the past month, Ethanol's price has fallen 0.13%, but it is still 19.49% higher 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 September of 2025.

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.

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.

The world benchmark for fuel ethanol - U.S. Omaha wholesale price - stood at 50.2 U.S. dollars per barrel in 2024. This annual average was lower than in the previous two years, after rising to a high of 70.75 per barrel in 2022.

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.

Brazil BR: Wholesale Fuel Price: Ethanol: Maximum data was reported at 4.043 BRL/l in Aug 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.884 BRL/l for Jul 2020. Brazil BR: Wholesale Fuel Price: Ethanol: Maximum data is updated monthly, averaging 2.464 BRL/l from Jul 2001 (Median) to Aug 2020, with 230 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.693 BRL/l in Mar 2020 and a record low of 1.287 BRL/l in Nov 2001. Brazil BR: Wholesale 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.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.

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

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 ***** 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 **** 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.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Fuel Ethanol market size was 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 slowdowns. ...

The north and north-east regions of Brazil had the highest average sale price of ethanol fuel in 2024, with figures amounting to **** and **** Brazilian reals per liter, respectively. Meanwhile, the central-west region had the lowest price, standing below the national average, at **** Brazilian reals per liter. Brazil's ethanol fuel production has surpassed ** million cubic meters in recent years.

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 global fuel ethanol market, valued at $80 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven by increasing demand for renewable energy sources and stringent government regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The market's 3.2% CAGR from 2025 to 2033 indicates a continuous, albeit moderate, expansion. Key drivers include the growing adoption of flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on ethanol blends, coupled with rising fuel prices and concerns over energy security. Government incentives and subsidies for ethanol production further stimulate market growth, especially in regions like North America and South America, where extensive corn and sugarcane cultivation provides a readily available feedstock. However, the market faces constraints including the competition from other biofuels like biodiesel, land-use concerns related to large-scale ethanol production, and fluctuating agricultural commodity prices that can impact ethanol's cost-competitiveness. The market segmentation reveals significant opportunities in cellulosic ethanol, which utilizes non-food biomass, offering a more sustainable and potentially cost-effective alternative to starch- and sugar-based ethanol in the long term. Major players such as Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, and Valero Energy Corporation are strategically positioned to capitalize on these trends through technological advancements, supply chain optimization, and strategic partnerships. The diverse applications of fuel ethanol across conventional and flexible fuel vehicles continue to shape market dynamics. Regional variations in market share will largely be influenced by government policies, feedstock availability, and the degree of FFV adoption. North America and South America are expected to maintain significant market shares due to established ethanol production infrastructure and substantial agricultural capacities. While Europe and Asia Pacific are showing growth potential, regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development play critical roles in their adoption rates. The shift toward sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation fuels coupled with technological advancements aimed at improving ethanol's efficiency and reducing its production costs will be crucial in determining the overall market trajectory over the forecast period. The market is likely to witness increased consolidation among key players as companies seek to expand their production capacity and market reach.

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.

In March 2025, the price for corn-based ethanol sales in Argentina reached nearly *** 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 ***** pesos per liter. These prices refer to sales for the mandated ethanol blend in gasoline the country.

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.

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

The retail price for E85 fuel in the United States stood at **** U.S. dollars per gasoline gallon equivalent on April 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 2024. 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 2024, 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 2024, demonstrates the multifaceted significance of the biofuel sector in the United States.

The global bio-based fuel ethanol market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for renewable energy sources and stringent government regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector. The market, estimated at $50 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated value of approximately $85 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors, including the rising adoption of flex-fuel vehicles, expanding government incentives for biofuel production, and increasing concerns about climate change and energy security. Furthermore, advancements in biofuel production technologies, leading to improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness, are contributing to market expansion. The corn-based ethanol segment currently holds the largest market share, but the cassava-based segment is expected to witness significant growth due to its sustainability and cost-effectiveness in certain regions. Major players such as Archer Daniels Midland, POET, and Green Plains are investing heavily in research and development, capacity expansion, and strategic partnerships to capitalize on this burgeoning market. Geographic expansion is also a significant driver, with emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America showcasing promising growth potential. However, challenges remain, including the volatility of feedstock prices, competition from other biofuels and fossil fuels, and concerns regarding land use change associated with biofuel production. Addressing these challenges through sustainable sourcing practices, technological innovation, and supportive government policies will be crucial for sustained market growth in the long term. The market segmentation, encompassing different feedstock sources (corn, cassava, others) and applications (automotive, industrial, others), presents opportunities for specialized players to cater to niche demands and contribute to the overall expansion of the bio-based fuel ethanol market. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the global bio-based fuel ethanol market, encompassing production, consumption, trade, and key industry players. We delve into market dynamics, revealing growth catalysts, challenges, and emerging trends shaping this crucial sector of the renewable energy landscape. The report leverages proprietary data and industry insights to offer actionable intelligence for investors, stakeholders, and businesses operating within the biofuels arena. With a projected market value exceeding $100 billion by 2030, understanding the bio-based fuel ethanol market is paramount.

In 2023, the European Union's fuel ethanol production was estimated to be roughly *** billion liters. This figure is forecast to increase to *** billion liters in 2024.