"ethanol-blending"

The Centre informed the Rajya Sabha that E20 petrol may cause a marginal 3–5 percent drop in fuel efficiency for older E10-designed vehicles, but confirmed there is no evidence of widespread engine damage or breakdowns linked to ethanol blending

The Centre has no plans to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20 per cent, Petroleum Minister Suresh Gopi informed the Rajya Sabha. He said any future decision would follow scientific studies, stakeholder consultations and technical assessments, while defending the E20 programme's benefits

The Petroleum Ministry said E20 petrol may lower fuel economy by 3–5 per cent in some vehicles but offers cleaner combustion, better performance and lower emissions. It maintained extensive testing confirmed vehicle compatibility before nationwide implementation of the ethanol-blending programme

The Petroleum Ministry said India’s ethanol blending programme began in 2001 and evolved through years of policy, testing and consultations. It rejected claims of a rushed E20 rollout, highlighting expanded production, industry support, quality standards and strict monitoring against fuel adulteration

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said he will seek written assurances from major automakers that E20 fuel does not reduce mileage or damage engines. He also urged the Centre to make ethanol-blended fuel optional, while the government maintained E20 is scientifically validated

The Centre has dismissed reports of an imminent E-25 petrol rollout, saying no decision has been taken beyond E-20 blending. It said any future increase would follow scientific validation and reaffirmed that E-20 has been extensively tested and safely used nationwide

India's Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme has saved over Rs 1.90 lakh crore in foreign exchange, generated more than Rs 1.6 lakh crore in additional income for farmers and reduced carbon emissions, reinforcing energy security and supporting the country's clean fuel transition

Former BPCL Refineries Director R. Ramachandran said India's E20 ethanol blending programme was implemented after extensive planning involving multiple stakeholders. He clarified E85 is not part of current government policy and highlighted measures to strengthen energy security

The Centre issued a 10-point clarification rejecting misinformation about India's E20 ethanol blending programme. It said scientific studies support the fuel's safety, efficiency and environmental benefits, while dismissing claims about excessive water use, engine damage, insurance issues and other viral allegations

The Centre rejected several viral claims about India's E20 fuel programme, saying scientific studies found no significant engine, warranty or safety issues. It said ethanol blending supports energy security, reduces emissions, saves foreign exchange and benefits farmers while following established global practices

The Supreme Court ordered status quo on the Karnataka High Court's direction to enhance ethanol allocation for ESY 2025-26. Hearing BPCL's plea, the court examined concerns that altering allocations could disrupt India's 20 per cent ethanol blending programme and trigger similar legal claims

Though higher ethanol blending can boost energy security and reduce the oil import bill, concerns of vehicle users and environmentalists must also be addressed

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced a phased rollout of up to 5,000 E85 flex-fuel stations by 2027. The project aims to drive ethanol adoption, slash crude imports, and generate ₹12,403 crore for farmers

The Centre has proposed amendments to motor vehicle rules to allow higher ethanol and biodiesel blends, including E100 and B100 fuels. The move aims to promote cleaner energy use, reduce fossil fuel imports and support India’s long-term energy self-reliance and sustainability goals

Nitin Gadkari urged India to move toward 100% ethanol blending, citing energy security risks from West Asia and high oil imports, while promoting green hydrogen and biofuels as part of a self-reliant clean energy transition

The latest oil shock presents an opportunity for India to revisit and review its existing ethanol blending programme

According to NITI Aayog, initially, the pan-India ethanol production capacity will be raised from the current 700 crore litres to 1500 crore litres. Further, a phased rollout of E10 fuel will be undertaken by April 2022.