diff --git a/message_ix_models/data/transport/R12/config.yaml b/message_ix_models/data/transport/R12/config.yaml
index ca36cf7a3..ec86970da 100644
--- a/message_ix_models/data/transport/R12/config.yaml
+++ b/message_ix_models/data/transport/R12/config.yaml
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ minimum activity:
   # TODO reduce or remove these once technology activities are calibrated directly
   - [R12_AFR, ROAD, ethanol, 0.0780]
   - [R12_CHN, RAIL, electr, 2.33]
-  - [R12_CHN, ROAD, ethanol, 5.36]
+  - [R12_CHN, ROAD, ethanol, 1.0]
   - [R12_CHN, ROAD, gas, 23.1]
   - [R12_EEU, RAIL, electr, 0.219]
   - [R12_EEU, ROAD, gas, 0.260]