Government Rejects Misleading Claims on E20 Fuel, Says Ethanol Blending Is Scientifically Validated

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has dismissed misleading claims circulating on social media regarding Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP), stating that the ethanol blending programme is scientifically validated and regularly monitored. The ministry said old videos and images are being reshared online to create unnecessary concerns about ethanol-blended fuel. 

Government Reaffirms Scientific Basis of Ethanol Blending Programme 

The Ethanol Blending Programme was launched in 2003 with the objective of reducing dependence on imported crude oil, enhancing energy security, and supporting environmental sustainability. 

The programme has been implemented in phases over the years, leading to the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol blending. According to the ministry, the initiative has been developed through technical evaluations and consultations with stakeholders across the fuel and automobile ecosystem. 

The government stated that implementation of the programme is continuously monitored in consultation with oil marketing companies, automobile manufacturers, fuel testing agencies, and other stakeholders. 

No Reports of Vehicle Problems Linked to E20 Fuel 

Addressing concerns raised on social media, the ministry clarified that there have been no reported instances of engine failures or vehicle breakdowns linked to the use of E20 fuel since its introduction. 

One of the claims being circulated relates to ethanol's ability to absorb moisture. The ministry noted that water entering a fuel tank is undesirable for any type of fuel and that modern vehicles are equipped with safeguards designed to prevent water ingress into fuel systems. 

Government Rejects Claims About Sugarcane Juice Being Mixed with Petrol 

The ministry also rejected videos claiming that sugarcane juice is directly mixed with petrol to create ethanol-blended fuel, describing such content as misleading and baseless. 

According to the ministry, fuel-grade ethanol is produced through established industrial processes and must meet stringent quality specifications before blending with petrol. 

While sugarcane juice, molasses, maize and broken rice are among the feedstocks used in ethanol production, the final ethanol produced undergoes multiple processing stages, including fermentation and distillation, making its properties entirely different from the original raw materials. 

BPCL Addresses Viral Video Claim Involving Ants Near Fuel Tanks 

Responding to a viral video showing ants around a vehicle's fuel tank, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) clarified that fuel-grade ethanol does not contain residual sugars that could attract insects. 

BPCL stated that sugars are completely removed during the fermentation and distillation process. In addition, denaturants added to fuel ethanol are known to repel insects. 

The company said there is no identifiable attractant in E20 fuel that would cause ants or other insects to gather around vehicle fuel caps. 

Read More: Will Using E20 Fuel Affect Your Motor Insurance Claim? Here's What the Government Said 

Economic and Environmental Benefits of Ethanol Blending 

According to the ministry, the Ethanol Blending Programme has helped reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil and generated foreign exchange savings of more than ₹1.4 lakh crore. 

The programme has also created additional demand for agricultural feedstocks used in ethanol production, providing income opportunities for farmers, and supporting the rural economy. In addition, ethanol blending contributes to lower carbon emissions and supports cleaner mobility solutions. 

Conclusion 

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has reiterated that India's Ethanol Blending Programme is based on scientific assessments and ongoing stakeholder consultations. The government has rejected various social media claims regarding E20 fuel and stated that there is no evidence linking ethanol-blended petrol to widespread vehicle issues, insurance complications or other concerns raised in viral posts. 

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