Announcement
Junior oil minister Suresh Gopi told Parliament that India will maintain the current 20% ethanol‑in‑gasoline blend (E20) and has no plans to increase the ethanol share beyond this level. He also confirmed that the government does not intend to revert to an E10 blend or to pure gasoline, stating that authorities consider the existing fuel to be superior.
Background and Motorist Concerns
The E20 blend, which contains 20% ethanol mixed with petrol, became the sole fuel offered at all of India’s approximately 90,000 petrol stations by the end of the previous year. Following this nationwide rollout, motorists raised concerns about perceived reductions in fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
Government Position and Required Studies
Gopi indicated that any future decision to raise the ethanol proportion would require detailed scientific and technical studies, as well as consultations with automakers, fuel retailers, and feedstock suppliers. He emphasized that, to date, the government has not received any complaints relating to engine failure, corrosion, or fuel‑pump problems linked to the use of E20.
Impact on Vehicle Efficiency
According to Gopi, vehicles originally designed for an E10 blend experience only a 3% to 5% decline in fuel efficiency when operating on the E20 blend. No other performance issues have been reported.
Conclusion
The ministry’s stance is to retain the 20% ethanol blend, address motorist concerns through studies and stakeholder engagement if any change is considered, and continue promoting the current fuel composition as the preferred standard.