Topic
e20
Commodities E20 Petrol Row: Chief Economic Adviser Nageswaran Calls for Lower Ethanol Blend at Pumps
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran has called on the government to restore lower-ethanol petrol such as E10 alongside the mandatory E20 blend, according to Business Today. The call follows consumer concerns over vehicle performance and damage, and comes as the Supreme Court hears challenges to the E20 policy. The Centre last month said it had no proposal to bring back lower blends, and has defended the programme as cutting imported crude dependence.
Manufacturing E20 petrol: Carmakers' internal data flags contamination in 18 states; SIAM complaint withdrawn
Internal data from Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Mahindra flagged elevated chloride and moisture contamination in E20 petrol samples from 18 Indian states. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers withdrew its complaint to the government after saying some figures required authentication. The dispute highlights fuel-quality concerns in India's E20 rollout.
Manufacturing India's transport, petroleum ministries disagree on E20 mileage loss: 2-6% vs 3-5%
India's road transport ministry and petroleum ministry have given different official estimates of the fuel-efficiency loss when E20 petrol is used in vehicles designed for E10. The transport ministry cited a 2-6% reduction based on an ARAI-SIAM-Indian Oil study, while the petroleum ministry said it is generally 3-5%. Both ministries pointed to driving conditions, habits and maintenance as key variables.
Commodities E20 Petrol Debate: Indian Government Debunks 7 Claims on Ethanol Blended Fuel, Impact on Mileage and Engines
The Indian government has issued a seven-point clarification refuting 'misleading claims' about E20 petrol, including that pre-2023 vehicles cannot use it and that 30 crore vehicles will become unusable. Minister Nitin Gadkari acknowledged a 2-6% fuel efficiency drop but said no engine failures have been recorded. Automotive companies including Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have voiced support.
Commodities India Maintains Ethanol-Free Premium Petrol, No Plan to Exceed E20 Blending
India's government confirmed that premium petrol grades will remain ethanol-free and there is no plan to increase ethanol blending beyond the current 20% (E20) level. Minister Suresh Gopi stated the decision is based on scientific validation and logistical considerations.
Commodities India Minister Puri Defends E20 Biofuel as ARAI Data Shows 2-6% Drop in Fuel Efficiency
Union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended the government's E20 ethanol-blending programme, calling misinformation 'rumours' while welcoming constructive criticism. Controlled tests by ARAI and OEMs showed a 2-6% drop in fuel consumption with E20 versus E10. Toyota Kirloskar Motor said damage in a viral video was due to contaminated fuel, not ethanol.
Commodities Ethanol Producers' Body BIEPA Supports E20 Fuel, Calls Misinformation Unfounded
The Bharat Independent Ethanol Producers Association (BIEPA) has publicly supported India's mandatory E20 fuel, dismissing claims of engine damage and poor mileage as scientifically unsupported. The body urged consumers to rely on verified information from government and industry sources.
Commodities E20 Controversy: Why India's Ethanol Blending Roadmap Is Back in Spotlight
India's nationwide rollout of mandatory 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) in April 2025 has triggered a political row, with opponents citing a 2021 NITI Aayog report that recommended a phased transition. The controversy intensified after Attorney General R Venkataramani called E20 an 'experiment' during a Supreme Court hearing, raising concerns over vehicle compatibility and fuel efficiency.
Commodities India Reaches 20% Ethanol Blending Milestone as Govt Issues FAQs on E20 Fuel Concerns
India has reached 20% ethanol blending in petrol as of April 2025, five years ahead of target. The government released FAQs to address public concerns about fuel economy, performance, and vehicle damage, detailing the long history and supply build-up behind the policy.
Commodities India's E20 Petrol Costlier to Produce Than Pure Petrol at Current Crude Prices, Government Says
The Indian petroleum ministry stated that E20 petrol is currently costlier to produce than pure petrol at prevailing global crude oil prices around $70 per barrel, but the ethanol blending program has saved over Rs 1.97 lakh crore in foreign exchange and reduced crude imports. The economics reverse when crude rises to $120-130 per barrel. The government dismissed claims of engine damage from E20 fuel.
Commodities E20 Fuel Safe for Older Vehicles, Say Industry Experts as India Hits 20% Blending Target
Industry executives from Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Maruti Suzuki, and Hero MotoCorp assured that E20 ethanol-blended petrol is safe for vehicles manufactured before the mandate, citing extensive testing. India achieved 20% ethanol blending by December 2025, five years ahead of its original target, helping reduce crude oil imports.
Trade Indian Government Denies Offering E20 Petrol Exports to Bhutan, Calls Reports Incorrect
The Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas dismissed reports that Bhutan had refused to import E20 petrol from India, stating no such offer was ever made. The clarification followed allegations by the Congress party that Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka had rejected India's ethanol-blended fuel. The government also defended the fuel's reliability, citing extensive testing by Indian institutions.
Commodities ISMA defends E20 fuel, cites scientific evidence; remains silent on mileage drop claims
The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has dismissed public concern over E20 ethanol blended petrol, stating that the conversation should be based on scientific evidence and official clarifications. While automakers claim mileage drop is marginal (3-3.5%), social media users report a 20-30% reduction. The government and industry bodies defend the fuel, citing emissions cuts and foreign exchange savings of over Rs 1.4 lakh crore.
Commodities Oil marketing companies hesitant to expand E85 rollout amid E20 petrol debate
Indian oil marketing companies are reluctant to expand E85 fuel outlets due to poor demand from a previous E100 pilot, pricing disadvantages, and limited flex-fuel vehicle penetration. The government aims for 500 flex-fuel stations by December 2026 and 5,000 by 2027, but only 48 currently dispense E85. A CEEW report notes ethanol is 15-25% more expensive on an operating cost basis than petrol.
Commodities India Defends E20 Petrol Against Viral Claims, Pushes Ethanol Roadmap Towards E100 Ecosystem
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas defended E20 petrol against viral claims, calling them misleading and unsubstantiated. India has achieved 20% ethanol blending ahead of schedule and is now pushing towards an E100 ecosystem with flex-fuel vehicles, aiming to reduce crude oil imports and boost farmer incomes.
Commodities From E20 to E85: India’s strategic leap in sustainable fuel blending
India's ethanol blending programme has evolved from a fragmented initiative into a comprehensive national strategy integrating energy security, agriculture, and industry. The coordinated rollout of E20 and introduction of E85 fuels, backed by inter-ministerial cooperation and feedstock diversification, is reshaping the country's fuel landscape.