India Maintains 20 Percent Petrol Ethanol Blending Cap

The Government of India announced in Parliament on July 23, 2026, that it has not decided to raise the national ethanol blending level in petrol beyond the current 20 percent limit. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi stated that any future increases would necessitate detailed scientific research and consultations with oil companies and automobile manufacturers.

Gopi defended the safety of E20 fuel, noting that millions of vehicles have operated on these blends without widespread engine failure. He highlighted that the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme has substituted nearly 316 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil and saved more than Rs 1.97 lakh crore in foreign exchange. Additionally, the program has transferred over Rs 1.66 lakh crore to farmers and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 952 lakh metric tonnes.

While E85 fuel is currently available, it remains restricted to certified Flex Fuel Vehicles and does not affect the base blending level. The phased implementation of the blending process was overseen by NITI Aayog, with technical validation provided by the Automotive Research Association of India and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.