The Centre on Wednesday told Parliament that there is no scientific evidence to support claims that E20 petrol harms vehicle engines or causes a significant drop in fuel efficiency. It said the ethanol-blended fuel was introduced only after years of research, testing and consultations with industry stakeholders.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was rolled out following extensive scientific studies, laboratory tests, field trials, validation by expert agencies and consultations before the phased introduction of E20 fuel.
The government said joint studies conducted over several years by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) evaluated the impact of E20 petrol on both two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
It added that the roadmap to raise ethanol blending from 1.53% in 2013-14 to 20% by December 2025 was prepared using scientific research, field testing and stakeholder consultations. The "Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25", released in June 2021, assessed factors such as material compatibility, engine calibration, fuel systems, drivability, durability, emissions and fuel efficiency before nationwide implementation.
According to the findings, E20 petrol does not have any significant negative effect on engine durability, vehicle performance, drivability or Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emissions. The government said BS-VI vehicles continue to comply with emission standards while using E20 fuel. It also noted that tests on older vehicles did not reveal major differences in performance, abnormal wear, or issues related to drivability, starting, or compatibility with metal and plastic components.
The Centre said modern cars and two-wheelers do not require engine modifications to run on E20 petrol. However, some BS-III vehicles introduced from April 1, 2005, and models manufactured before 2016 may need replacement of certain rubber parts or gaskets during regular servicing, adding that such replacements are part of routine maintenance and do not point to major mechanical problems.
On concerns over mileage, the government said fuel efficiency depends on multiple factors and cannot be linked solely to ethanol blending. It noted that driving style, engine maintenance, timely oil changes, clean air filters, tyre pressure, wheel alignment and air-conditioner usage all play an important role in determining fuel economy.
The government also informed Parliament that an Inter-Ministerial Committee formed under NITI Aayog on December 26, 2020, examined vehicle compatibility, mileage and efficiency before recommending higher ethanol blending levels. Its assessment was based on studies conducted by IOCL, ARAI and SIAM.
According to the Centre, India has followed a phased and scientifically validated approach to ethanol blending. It said the programme began as a pilot project in 2001, E5 fuel was introduced in 2006, and blending levels were gradually increased as production capacity, infrastructure and regulatory systems were developed.
Citing SIAM, the government said it has not received any verified or widespread complaints linking E20 petrol to engine failures or vehicle breakdowns. It added that concerns over engine damage, lower mileage and vehicle wear have largely stemmed from public discussions and social media rather than documented large-scale technical failures.
The government reiterated that the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme has been implemented through a phased, calibrated and scientifically validated process with extensive consultations, maintaining that available scientific evidence does not show any widespread adverse impact of E20 petrol on modern vehicles. It, however, acknowledged that some older vehicles may require replacement of a few rubber components as part of regular maintenance.
