India Defends E20 Petrol Program Amid Vehicle Damage Claims

The Government of India defended its Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in Parliament and public factsheets between July 30 and August 1, 2026, ruling out increases beyond the current 20 percent blend (E20) without further scientific study. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi and Road & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari asserted that E20 is safe, citing data from 23 crore vehicles that show no evidence of systemic engine failure or abnormal corrosion.

Government officials highlighted the program as a strategic "energy insurance" that shielded consumers from global crude price spikes during a recent West Asian crisis. While global prices rose 70–80%, domestic increases were limited to 7–8%, preventing Delhi petrol prices from reaching an estimated Rs 125 per litre. The program reportedly saved approximately Rs 1.98 lakh crore in foreign exchange and provided over Rs 1.66 lakh crore in income to farmers.

Addressing public concerns and protests from the group Team Bharat, the government acknowledged a potential fuel economy drop of 2–6% for vehicles designed for E10 fuel. However, they noted that E20 offers higher octane ratings, better acceleration, and 30% lower carbon emissions. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas further clarified that ethanol is produced only from surplus or damaged grain to ensure food security is not compromised.