Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has strongly defended the Centre's ethanol blending programme, dismissing concerns over the use of E20 petrol while announcing plans to introduce E85 fuel at a price around ₹20 per litre lower than E20 for flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs).
Rejecting claims of widespread engine damage and consumer reluctance to adopt E20 petrol, Puri described such reports as a "misrepresentation." He said extensive testing, along with feedback from the automobile industry, had found no evidence of systemic engine-related problems caused by E20 fuel.
Addressing concerns regarding older vehicles, the minister said leading automobile manufacturers had not reported any significant instances of engine damage attributable to E20 petrol. He added that issues related to vehicle warranties and insurance coverage had also been clarified, putting to rest concerns among consumers.
While acknowledging that ethanol-blended petrol may lead to a marginal reduction in fuel efficiency because ethanol has a lower calorific value than conventional petrol, Puri said the overall advantages far outweigh the slight loss in mileage. He noted that ethanol provides a higher octane rating, enhances engine performance by improving torque and acceleration, reduces engine knocking, and burns more cleanly, thereby lowering vehicle emissions.
Outlining the next phase of the government's biofuel strategy, Puri announced plans to introduce E85 fuel, which contains up to 85 per cent ethanol, for vehicles specifically designed as flex-fuel vehicles. He said E85 would be priced approximately ₹20 per litre cheaper than E20, making it a more affordable fuel option for eligible vehicle owners while further reducing India's dependence on imported crude oil.
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The minister said the ethanol blending programme is a key pillar of India's energy security strategy and supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by reducing crude oil imports, strengthening domestic fuel production and creating additional demand for agricultural produce used in ethanol manufacturing, thereby benefiting farmers.
Clarifying the government's long-term roadmap, Puri said E25 petrol remains at the experimental stage and urged people not to speculate about the introduction of higher ethanol blends. He emphasised that any decision on expanding ethanol content beyond current levels would be guided by scientific assessment, technological readiness and a phased implementation strategy.
Puri also reiterated the government's commitment to promoting electric mobility, saying electric vehicles and biofuels should be viewed as complementary solutions rather than competing technologies. He said both would play an important role in helping India achieve cleaner, more sustainable transportation while reducing carbon emissions and enhancing long-term energy security.
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