Government Reaffirms E20 Petrol Safety; No Decision Yet on Ethanol Blending Beyond 20%
Scientific studies, real-world vehicle data and industry validation support E20 rollout; Centre says any move beyond 20% blending will follow extensive consultations
The Government of India has reiterated that E20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol) is safe, reliable and scientifically validated for use in petrol vehicles, while clarifying that no decision has been taken to increase ethanol blending beyond the current 20% level.
Responding to concerns regarding higher ethanol blending, the government said any future proposal to increase ethanol content beyond E20 would only be considered after detailed scientific studies and consultations with automobile manufacturers, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), research institutions and other stakeholders.
The clarification comes amid growing public discussion over ethanol-blended fuels and follows the successful nationwide rollout of E20 under India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme.
No nationwide move beyond E20
The government clarified that while E85 fuel (85% ethanol and 15% petrol) has been introduced, it is meant exclusively for certified Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and should not be interpreted as an increase in the country’s standard ethanol blending level.
India has progressively increased ethanol blending over the years:
| Ethanol Supply Year | Average Blending |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | ~12% |
| 2023-24 | ~14.6% |
| 2024-25 | ~19.2% |
| 2025-26 (Nov-June) | 20% |
The country achieved the 20% ethanol blending target five years ahead of schedule, marking a significant milestone in India’s biofuel programme.
Government cites extensive scientific validation
According to the government, E20 has undergone extensive laboratory testing, field trials and real-world validation involving institutions including NITI Aayog, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Oil Marketing Companies and automobile manufacturers.
The studies evaluated:
- Engine durability
- Fuel system compatibility
- Drivability
- Corrosion resistance
- Material compatibility
- Emissions
- Fuel efficiency
The government said these studies established that E20 does not cause abnormal engine wear, corrosion or compatibility issues when used according to prescribed specifications.
More than 23 crore vehicles using E20 without widespread issues
The Centre highlighted that E15+ petrol has been in widespread use for over three-and-a-half years, while E19-E20 fuel has been used across India for more than two-and-a-half years.
According to the government:
- Over 20 crore two-wheelers
- More than 3 crore petrol cars
have operated on higher ethanol blends without verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown attributable to ethanol blending.
Manufacturer service records also indicate no abnormal corrosion, wear or reduction in vehicle life due to E20, while automobile companies continue to honour warranty claims for vehicles using the fuel.
One leading passenger vehicle manufacturer reportedly serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during FY 2025-26, including around 1.5 crore older vehicles not originally certified for E20, without reporting E20-related engine damage.
Mileage concerns scientifically examined
Addressing concerns over reduced mileage, the government acknowledged that certain older vehicles designed for E10 petrol may experience a fuel economy reduction of around 3-5%.
However, it said fuel efficiency depends on multiple factors, including:
- Driving habits
- Road conditions
- Vehicle maintenance
The government added that E20 offers several performance advantages, including:
- Higher octane rating
- Better anti-knock characteristics
- Cleaner combustion
- Improved acceleration
- Smoother engine performance
According to SIAM and ARAI, ethanol’s higher octane number supports modern high-compression engines while reducing emissions.
Major national benefits highlighted
The government said the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme has generated significant economic and environmental gains, including:
- ₹1.97 lakh crore in foreign exchange savings
- 316 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil substituted
- 952 lakh metric tonnes reduction in CO₂ emissions
- ₹1.66 lakh crore transferred to farmers through ethanol procurement
These achievements contribute to India’s energy security, reduced import dependence and climate commitments.
No proposal to return to E0 or E10 petrol
The government made it clear that there is no proposal to revert to E0 or E10 petrol, stating that public policy should move towards cleaner and more efficient fuels rather than reverting to older standards.
Maintaining parallel nationwide supply chains for E0, E10 and E20 across more than one lakh fuel retail outlets would significantly increase logistics complexity and costs, it added.
Quality checks and grievance redressal
Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies have strengthened fuel quality monitoring through stringent Standard Operating Procedures covering procurement, blending, storage, transportation and dispensing.
The government said OMCs have conducted over 30,000 fuel quality checks at retail outlets in recent weeks to detect adulteration and ensure specification-compliant fuel reaches consumers.
Consumers can register complaints through:
- Toll-free customer care numbers
- Company websites and mobile apps
- Complaint registers at retail outlets
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
- Social media platforms
- Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)
The government said consumer feedback is continuously monitored and corrective measures are taken wherever necessary.
