Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has strongly refuted claims circulating on social media and in sections of the media that E20 petrol is unsuitable for vehicles manufactured before 2023 or that automobile manufacturers have expressed concerns about its use
India’s E20 ethanol blending programme is emerging as a cornerstone of the country’s clean energy transition, aligning with global sustainability goals while strengthening energy security and supporting rural economic growth, according to experts and government data.
Sanjay Kumar Kar, Professor of Management and former Dean of Faculty Affairs at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, described the ethanol blending initiative as a scientifically driven and well-planned policy that reflects India’s long-term commitment to sustainable development.
“The ethanol blending programme is the way forward,” Kar said, noting that the initiative is closely aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7, which focuses on affordable and clean energy.
He highlighted that India’s National Policy on Biofuels, introduced in 2018 and strengthened through amendments in 2022, has enabled the country to make remarkable progress towards its ambitious E20 target. According to Kar, the achievement reflects sustained policy support, scientific advancements and a consultative approach involving multiple stakeholders.
“Achieving 20 per cent ethanol blending has been a gradual process, supported by scientific progress and consistent policy incentives over the years,” he said.
Kar also urged consumers to look beyond misinformation surrounding ethanol-blended fuels and understand the broader benefits of the programme. He pointed out that ethanol blending offers significant advantages for farmers, vehicle owners and the environment, while contributing to India’s larger climate and energy goals.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has strongly refuted claims circulating on social media and in sections of the media that E20 petrol is unsuitable for vehicles manufactured before 2023 or that automobile manufacturers have expressed concerns about its use.
In a factsheet released on Thursday, the ministry said E15-plus fuel has been in widespread use for over three-and-a-half years, while E19-E20 fuel has been used for more than two-and-a-half years without any verified reports of widespread engine failures or vehicle breakdowns linked to ethanol blending.
Government data showed that a leading automobile manufacturer serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during FY 2025-26, including around 1.5 crore vehicles that were not originally certified as E20-compatible, and found no evidence of ethanol-related corrosion, abnormal wear or reduced component life. Similar findings were reported by a leading two-wheeler manufacturer.
The ministry also dismissed claims that nearly 30 crore vehicles could become unusable due to ethanol blending. It noted that more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over three crore petrol cars have already been operating on ethanol-blended fuels without any verified evidence of systemic engine damage.
Automobile manufacturers, including Toyota Kirloskar, Maruti Suzuki, Hero MotoCorp, Hyundai Motor India, TVS Motor Company and Bajaj Auto, have publicly reaffirmed their support for the E20 programme. Industry representatives stated that the fuel was introduced only after rigorous testing and extensive field data analysis.
Addressing concerns over fuel efficiency, the ministry said any reduction in mileage for certain older vehicles is typically limited to around 3-5 per cent and depends on several factors such as driving habits, traffic conditions and vehicle maintenance. In return, E20 offers higher octane ratings, cleaner combustion, smoother engine performance and improved ride quality.
With ethanol blends already being successfully used in countries such as Brazil for decades, India is increasingly positioning E20 as an important pillar of its clean energy and self-reliance ambitions.
