Modi Govt says ethanol blending (E20) not harmful to vehicles, dismisses concerns

The government has defended its ethanol blending programme, asserting that it is grounded in extensive scientific trials and aligned with global best practices, even as concerns persist over its impact on vehicle performance.

In a detailed note issued by the Petroleum Ministry, the government dismissed claims that ethanol-blended petrol corrodes engine components or significantly reduces fuel efficiency. The clarification comes amid widespread discussion on social media, where users have raised apprehensions about E20 fuel—petrol blended with 20% ethanol—alleging engine damage and lower mileage.

According to the Ministry, the ethanol blending programme is supported by comprehensive studies conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (Dehradun), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and Indian Oil Corporation. These studies, initiated in 2014, evaluated material compatibility, emissions, and overall vehicle performance with E20.

The note mentioned about large-scale field trials—covering 40,000 kilometres for cars and 20,000 kilometres for two-wheelers—reported no major issues related to drivability, startability or compatibility with metal and plastic components. It acknowledged only a marginal decline in fuel efficiency in vehicles using 10% ethanol blends compared to pure petrol.

E20 petrol was officially introduced in February 2023, and India achieved nearly 20% blending by December 2025. The government also emphasised ethanol’s high-octane properties, noting its historical use in high-performance engines due to its anti-knock characteristics and cooling effect.

The note also held that countries such as the United States, Japan and Canada use 10% ethanol blends, while Brazil employs blends as high as 27%. It added that India’s programme has reduced crude oil imports by 310 lakh metric tonnes, facilitated payments exceeding Rs 1.6 lakh crore to farmers and saved over Rs 1.9 lakh crore in foreign exchange.

Meanwhile, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, while defending India’s E20 programme, highlighted that ethanol is extensively used in high-performance racing cars. He noted that blending plant-based ethanol with conventional petrol enhances acceleration, raises octane levels and helps minimise engine knocking.