Govt Rules Out Ethanol Blending Beyond 20% Without Studies

The government has not taken any decision to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20 per cent level, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

The minister clarified that any future move to increase ethanol blending will be based on detailed scientific studies and consultations with stakeholders, including automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies, and research institutions.

According to Gopi, India achieved its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol five years ahead of schedule, with the average blending level rising from about 1.53 per cent in 2013-14 to 20 per cent during the 2025-26 ethanol supply year.

The ethanol blending programme has delivered substantial economic and environmental benefits since 2014-15, including saving more than Rs 1.97 lakh crore in foreign exchange, reducing crude oil imports by nearly 316 lakh tonnes, cutting around 952 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, and generating over Rs 1.66 lakh crore in additional income for farmers.

Addressing concerns regarding vehicle performance, the minister said the government has not received any widespread or substantiated complaints from vehicle manufacturers, automobile associations, or consumer groups regarding engine failures, fuel pump issues, corrosion, or water contamination linked to E20 fuel.

Gopi also cited industry data, which showed that one leading passenger vehicle manufacturer analysed service records of 2.84 crore vehicles during 2025-26, including around 1.5 crore vehicles not certified for E20, and found no verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown.

The government's decision to not increase ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent without scientific studies and consultations is a significant development, as it highlights the need for a careful and informed approach to policy-making in the energy sector.

In recent years, India has made significant progress in increasing ethanol blending in petrol, with the target of 20 per cent blending achieved five years ahead of schedule. However, any further increase in blending levels will require careful consideration of the potential impacts on vehicle performance, the environment, and the economy.

The minister's statement also underscores the importance of stakeholder consultations in policy-making, as the government seeks to balance the interests of different groups, including automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies, farmers, and consumers.

Overall, the government's decision to not increase ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent without scientific studies and consultations is a prudent and informed approach, which takes into account the complex issues involved in energy policy-making.

The development is significant for India's energy sector, as it highlights the need for a careful and informed approach to policy-making. The government's decision will have implications for the environment, the economy, and the automotive industry, and will be closely watched by stakeholders in the coming months.

In conclusion, the government's decision to not increase ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent without scientific studies and consultations is a significant development, which highlights the need for a careful and informed approach to policy-making in the energy sector. The decision will have implications for the environment, the economy, and the automotive industry, and will be closely watched by stakeholders in the coming months.