The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has confirmed the safety and reliability of E20 ethanol-blended petrol following extensive scientific validation and stakeholder consultation. The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was implemented through a phased process involving NITI Aayog, automobile manufacturers, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), and other technical institutions.
Extensive laboratory studies and field trials conducted by ARAI, SIAM, IOCL, IIP, and automobile manufacturers covered parameters including engine durability, drivability, startability, corrosion resistance, material compatibility, emissions, and fuel efficiency. These studies confirmed that E20 is safe for use under prescribed standards and established that legacy vehicles do not exhibit any significant variation in performance or abnormal wear and tear due to E20 fuel.
The government's assessment is based on both laboratory research and large-scale experience after nationwide implementation. India witnesses approximately 8 crore vehicles visiting retail outlets daily, with around 80% being petrol vehicles. E15+ blended petrol has been in widespread use for over three-and-a-half years, while E19-E20 fuel has been used for over two-and-a-half years. More than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars have been operating on these blends without any verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown attributable to ethanol blending.
Manufacturer service data confirms there is no abnormal corrosion, wear, or reduction in vehicle life due to E20 fuel, and manufacturers continue to honor warranty obligations for vehicles using E20 fuel. A leading OEM serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during FY 2025-26, including approximately 1.5 crore vehicles not originally certified as E20-compatible, and reported no E20-linked corrosion, abnormal wear, or reduction in component life. Another leading two-wheeler company reported similar field experience, with one OEM tracking 1.4 crore E20-operated vehicles over an extended period showing no evidence of ethanol-induced corrosion.
According to SIAM and ARAI, E20 improves acceleration and ride quality while reducing carbon emissions. Ethanol's higher-octane number supports modern high-compression engines, and its higher heat of vaporization improves combustion efficiency. The rollout of higher ethanol blends was undertaken only after extensive consultation with all stakeholders, and E20 was introduced only after successful validation of fuel systems, engine durability, drivability, material compatibility, and emissions performance.