Centre Rules Out Immediate Move Beyond E20 Petrol Blend, Says Any Future Decision Will Follow Scientific Review
The Union government has clarified that it has not taken any decision to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20 per cent level, stating that any future move will be based on comprehensive scientific assessments, technical evaluations and consultations with key stakeholders.
Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said there is no proposal at present to raise the nationwide ethanol blending percentage beyond E20. He added that any policy change would only be considered after discussions with automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies, research institutions and other concerned agencies.
The minister also explained that the introduction of E85 fuel, which contains 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol, should not be interpreted as an increase in the country's standard ethanol blending programme. According to him, E85 is meant exclusively for specially designed and certified Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).
Highlighting the government's approach, Gopi said India's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has been rolled out in phases after scientific validation and consultation with organisations such as NITI Aayog, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and oil marketing companies.
The government maintained that studies and field experience have consistently shown that E20 fuel is safe for vehicles when used according to prescribed standards and manufacturers' recommendations. Officials said the findings are based on both laboratory testing and large-scale real-world usage across the country.
According to the minister, E15 fuel has been widely used for more than three years, while E19 and E20 blends have been available for over two years. During this period, more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over three crore petrol cars have operated on these blends without verified evidence linking ethanol-blended fuel to widespread engine failures or significant vehicle damage.
The government further said automobile manufacturers have not reported unusual corrosion, abnormal engine wear or reduced vehicle life because of E20 usage. It added that manufacturers continue to honour warranty commitments for vehicles using E20 fuel, reinforcing confidence in the fuel's safety.
Citing industry data, Gopi said one of India's largest passenger vehicle manufacturers serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during the 2025-26 financial year, including nearly 1.5 crore older vehicles that were not originally designed for E20, without recording significant ethanol-related mechanical issues. Similar observations have also been reported by leading two-wheeler manufacturers through their service records.
On concerns regarding fuel efficiency, the government said mileage depends on several factors, including driving habits, road conditions and vehicle maintenance. It acknowledged that certain vehicles designed for lower ethanol blends may experience a 3-5 per cent reduction in fuel economy, but added that E20 offers advantages such as higher octane levels, improved combustion, smoother engine performance and lower carbon emissions.
The Centre also highlighted the broader economic and environmental gains achieved through the ethanol blending programme. According to the government, the initiative has helped save more than ₹1.97 lakh crore in foreign exchange, reduced crude oil imports by nearly 316 lakh metric tonnes, cut around 952 lakh metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, and transferred over ₹1.66 lakh crore to farmers through increased ethanol procurement.
The government reiterated that while ethanol blending remains an important component of India's energy and environmental strategy, any decision to move beyond the existing E20 benchmark will only be taken after extensive scientific review and stakeholder consultation.
