India Defends E20 Fuel Safety and Rejects Blending Increase

Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi informed the Rajya Sabha on July 20, 2026, that the Indian government has found no verified evidence of widespread engine failures or vehicle breakdowns linked to 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20). Gopi cited data from over 23 crore vehicles, including 20 crore two-wheelers and 3 crore cars, to assert that the fuel is safe under prescribed standards. While acknowledging a possible 3-5% reduction in fuel economy for some older E10-designed vehicles, he noted that E20 offers a higher octane rating and cleaner combustion.

Responding to concerns from MP John Brittas and ongoing Supreme Court proceedings, Gopi stated that the government has no current plans to increase ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent or to mandate the availability of non-blended petrol at retail outlets. He explained that any future increase would require further scientific studies and consultations with automobile manufacturers and research institutions.

The minister further defended the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, which reached its 20% target five years early. He stated the initiative has not compromised food security or water resources, utilizing a waste-to-wealth architecture that prioritizes national buffer stocks. Since 2014-15, the program has saved over 1.97 trillion rupees in foreign exchange, avoided 952 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, and generated over 1.66 lakh crore in additional income for farmers.