New Delhi, July 30, 2026; The Government has reiterated that the nationwide rollout of E20 ethanol-blended petrol was undertaken after extensive scientific evaluation, industry consultations, and field validation involving automobile manufacturers, research institutions, oil companies, and technical agencies.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme followed a phased and evidence-based approach, with inputs from institutions including NITI Aayog, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), and other technical organisations.
The government said higher ethanol blending levels were introduced only after detailed consultations with vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, testing agencies, and fuel companies. Extensive laboratory research and real-world trials were conducted to evaluate parameters such as engine durability, fuel efficiency, emissions, corrosion resistance, drivability, startability, and material compatibility.
According to the assessment, these studies confirmed that E20 fuel meets prescribed standards and is safe for use in vehicles. The government stated that field experience has not shown any widespread adverse impact on vehicle performance, engine reliability, or component life due to ethanol blending.
The Ministry highlighted that India currently witnesses around eight crore vehicles visiting fuel retail outlets every day, with petrol vehicles accounting for nearly 80 per cent of this number. The large-scale use of ethanol-blended petrol has provided significant operational data supporting the government’s assessment.
The government noted that E15-plus blended petrol has been in use for more than three-and-a-half years, while E19-E20 fuel has been operational for over two-and-a-half years. During this period, more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over three crore petrol cars have operated on these fuel blends without any verified evidence of widespread engine failures or breakdowns linked to ethanol blending.
Manufacturer service records have also indicated no abnormal corrosion, excessive wear, or reduction in vehicle lifespan due to E20 fuel, according to the Ministry. Vehicle manufacturers continue to provide warranty support for E20-compatible vehicles, further reinforcing confidence in the fuel’s reliability.
The government cited industry data from leading automobile manufacturers to support its position. One major automobile manufacturer serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during the financial year 2025-26, including around 1.5 crore vehicles that were not originally certified for E20 compatibility, and reported no E20-related corrosion or abnormal component damage.
Similarly, a leading two-wheeler manufacturer reported comparable field experiences, while another automobile company stated that tracking data from around 1.4 crore E20-operated vehicles showed no evidence of ethanol-induced corrosion.
The government further stated that automobile manufacturers, component suppliers, SIAM, ARAI, testing agencies, and oil marketing companies were involved throughout the evaluation and implementation process. The phased introduction of E20 was carried out only after validation of fuel systems, engine performance, emissions standards, and long-term durability.
According to SIAM and ARAI assessments, ethanol blending also offers environmental and performance benefits. Ethanol’s higher octane rating supports modern high-compression engines, while its higher heat of vaporisation can contribute to improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions.
The information was provided by Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The government said the E20 programme represents an important step towards reducing dependence on imported crude oil, promoting cleaner fuel alternatives, and strengthening India’s energy security.
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