Modi Govt has no plans as of now to raise ethanol blending: Hardeep Singh Puri

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has said that the Modi Government has no immediate plans to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20% level. He reaffirmed Centre’s focus on the existing E20 programme to reduce crude oil imports and strengthen farmers’ incomes.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the 29th Energy Technology and Innovation Meet in South Goa, Puri dismissed concerns surrounding E20 petrol as a contrived narrative, alleging that misinformation was being circulated about the fuel’s impact on vehicles.

He said the government had achieved its target of 20% ethanol blending and had no immediate intention of raising it further. Addressing reports of vehicle breakdowns and engine damage, the minister maintained that vehicles compliant with E20 standards were designed to operate on the blended fuel, while some compatibility issues had been reported in older vehicles manufactured before 2003.

Puri attributed some complaints to possible problems in transporting blended fuel, suggesting that tankers previously used for other products might have contributed to concerns. He also referred to a legal dispute involving an automobile manufacturer over allegations of engine damage.

Highlighting ethanol’s economic benefits, the minister said E20 adoption had helped the government save about Rs 1.6 lakh crore, of which Rs 1.4 lakh crore had gone to farmers. He said ethanol production had helped transform farmers from annadatas (food providers) into urjadata (energy providers).

Gadkari Hints at ‘Paid Campaign’

Meanwhile, Road & Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has stated that the social media rage over ethanol blending program was actually “paid campaign.” He said during a CII event that the rage is now over.

Also, the Road Transport Ministry has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to permit flex-fuel vehicles capable of operating on blends containing up to 100% ethanol. Such vehicles can use higher blends, including E85 and E100, unlike conventional petrol vehicles.

Automakers, including Toyota, Tata Motors and Hyundai, are developing flex-fuel vehicles for India as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and expand its domestic ethanol ecosystem.