New Delhi [India], September 15 (ANI): Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, on Monday assured that ethanol-blended petrol poses no adverse effects on vehicles, dismissing claims of controversy surrounding India’s ethanol blending programme.
Speaking to reporters in Varanasi, Minister Puri stated, “There is no impact on vehicles.” He highlighted that the ethanol initiative not only strengthens India’s energy security but also empowers farmers to become energy providers. The programme has reportedly saved the country Rs 1.4 lakh crore in crude oil imports while contributing to lower pollution levels.
“The Government had targeted 10% ethanol blending by November 2020, which we achieved five months ago. The 20% blending target (E20), initially set for 2030 and advanced to 2025, has already been met. There is no controversy,” the Minister said, addressing concerns over further blending plans.
India has significantly accelerated its ethanol blending efforts over the past decade, rising from just 1.53% in 2014 to 10% by 2022. The government’s ethanol programme is also closely linked to India’s green energy transition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the world’s first bamboo-based second-generation ethanol plant at Numaligarh Refinery Ltd in Assam, a Rs 5,000 crore project that began with a foundation stone laid in February 2019.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas clarified that E20 petrol has only a marginal impact on mileage—approximately 1–2% in vehicles calibrated for E20 and 3–6% in older models—and does not affect vehicle insurance validity. Automobile manufacturers continue to provide support through authorised service stations for any tuning or part replacements required to ensure optimal performance.
Since 2014–15, ethanol blending has saved over Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange, ensured payments of more than Rs 1.2 lakh crore to farmers, and reduced significant carbon dioxide emissions. The Supreme Court recently dismissed a plea challenging the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol, while Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari termed recent criticism of the programme as a “paid campaign.” (ANI)
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