The Bharat Independent Ethanol Producers Association (BIEPA) has issued a strong statement in support of India's nationwide rollout of E20 fuel (20% ethanol blended with 80% petrol), countering what it describes as misleading information circulating on social media. The association, which counts Akshay Modi of Modi Naturals as its vice president, called on all stakeholders to ensure factual, science-based information reaches the public.
Controversy over E20 fuel performance
According to BIEPA, claims linking E20 fuel to engine damage, poor mileage, and excessive water consumption are not supported by scientific evidence, industry testing, or real-world operating data. The association noted that the growing volume of conflicting and unverified claims has created unnecessary confusion among consumers at a time when India's ethanol blending programme is delivering measurable economic, environmental, and energy security benefits.
| Common Claim | BIEPA Response |
|---|---|
| Engine damage | Not supported by scientific evidence |
| Poor mileage | Variation is only 2-6% under normal driving conditions |
| Excessive water consumption | Not supported by industry testing or real-world data |
BIEPA's scientific rebuttal
"Any variation in mileage is generally limited to 2-6% under normal driving conditions, making claims of drastic fuel economy loss misleading," BIEPA stated. The association urged consumers to have complete confidence in the quality and safety of E20 fuel sold across the country.
Pushpinder Singh, President of BIEPA, said in a statement: "Consumers should have complete confidence in the quality and safety of E20 fuel sold across the country and rely on verified information rather than misinformation circulating on social media. Misinformation not only creates unnecessary anxiety but also undermines a nationally important programme that is strengthening India's energy security and supporting millions of farmers."
Implications for India's ethanol blending program
BIEPA emphasized that India's nationwide rollout of E20 petrol marks a significant milestone in the country's clean energy transition. The association called upon consumers, industry, policymakers, and media to work together to ensure that factual, science-based information reaches the public. The ethanol producers' body warned that misinformation should not hinder one of India's most important energy transition initiatives.
The statement from BIEPA comes amid growing discontent among vehicle owners against the mandatory selling of E20 fuel despite lower mileage reports. The association's backing provides a counter-narrative backed by the ethanol industry, reinforcing the government's push for higher ethanol blending. As India pursues its ethanol blending targets, the support from producers like BIEPA is critical to maintaining momentum and public acceptance.
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