The Central government has clarified that it has not taken any decision to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20% level. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said any move towards higher ethanol blends would only be considered after detailed scientific studies, technical evaluations, and consultations with stakeholders.
The minister also stated that there is currently no proposal to make non-blended or lower-blend petrol available at select fuel stations.
In a written reply to Parliament, the minister said India's ethanol blending programme has progressed in a phased manner, with blending levels increasing from 1.53% in 2013-14 to 20% in 2025-26. The transition, he said, was based on scientific assessments and consultations with automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies, and research institutions.
He added that the government will continue to adopt a science-based approach before considering any future increase in ethanol blending beyond E20.
Addressing concerns over the impact of E20 fuel on older vehicles, the government said extensive laboratory testing, durability trials, and field validation were carried out before increasing blending levels. These assessments covered engine durability, material compatibility, emissions, fuel efficiency, corrosion resistance, and overall vehicle performance.
According to the government, over 20 crore two-wheelers and more than 3 crore petrol cars, including many older vehicles not originally certified for E20, have been using E15+ and E20 fuels without verified evidence of widespread engine failures linked to ethanol blending.
The minister added that while some older E10-compatible vehicles may experience a 3-5% reduction in fuel economy, factors such as driving habits, tyre pressure, vehicle maintenance, and air-conditioner usage have a greater impact on mileage. He also noted that E20 offers a higher octane rating, cleaner combustion, and improved anti-knock performance.
The government highlighted the continued expansion of the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme. Public sector oil marketing companies procured 679.04 crore litres of ethanol worth ₹48,757.01 crore in 2023-24 and 1,033.31 crore litres worth ₹73,996.48 crore in 2024-25. Up to June of the 2025-26 ethanol supply year, procurement stood at 705.43 crore litres, valued at ₹49,577.36 crore, with 501 registered ethanol suppliers participating in the programme.
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The Centre has reiterated that there are currently no plans to increase ethanol blending beyond E20, emphasising that any future decision will be based on scientific validation and stakeholder consultations. The government also maintained that expanding lower-blend petrol availability would increase logistics costs while reducing the environmental, energy security, and farmer welfare benefits of the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme.
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Published on: Jul 21, 2026, 12:18 PM IST
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