Government Begins E25 Petrol Testing on Vehicles; Study Report Expected by End of Next Year

The Government has initiated testing of E25 petrol, a fuel blend containing 25% ethanol, as it explores the next phase of its ethanol blending programme, as per news reports.  

The exercise is aimed at increasing the use of domestically produced biofuel while reducing dependence on imported crude oil. 

The study is being carried out by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), which has begun testing the fuel on E10- and E20-compliant vehicles. 

Vehicle Testing and Evaluation 

ARAI will assess the impact of the E25 blend on vehicle performance and fuel efficiency over a distance of 150,000 kilometres. 

The study report is expected to be completed by the end of next year. It will then be sent to the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) for vetting before being forwarded to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. 

According to a senior ministry official, the ministry will decide if and when higher ethanol blends are to be mandated for use and sale in the country after the review process is completed. 

Existing Ethanol Blending Programme 

Production of E20 material-compliant vehicles began in April 2023. From 1 April 2025, all vehicles sold in India became material and fuel compliant with E20, while E20 petrol became mandatory for sale across the country from 1 April 2026. 

The government is examining a higher ethanol blend even as the E20 rollout continues. 

Consumer Feedback and Industry Response 

The existing E20 mandate, which came into effect in April 2026, has drawn criticism from some consumers, who have reported lower fuel efficiency. In some cases, vehicle owners also raised concerns about damage to vehicles that are not compatible with E20 fuel. 

The government and the automobile industry have rejected claims that E20 has caused vehicle damage. 

According to a senior industry executive, increasing the ethanol content further has become a risky decision because of the public backlash over E20. 

Read More: Government Rejects Misleading Claims on E20 Fuel, Says Ethanol Blending Is Scientifically Validated! 

Conclusion 

The E25 study will provide data on vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, forming the basis for the government's decision on the future use of higher ethanol blends in petrol.   

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