E20 petrol debate: Govt says 'no verified evidence' of widespread engine failure

Amid ongoing debate on E20 petrol, the government on Monday said there is no confirmed evidence linking ethanol-blended petrol (E20) to widespread engine failures or vehicle breakdowns, pointing to both scientific studies and on-road experience from more than 23 crore vehicles across India.Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said, "More than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars, including a large number of older vehicles manufactured before E20 certification, have been operating on these fuels without any verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown attributable to ethanol blending."He further said the shift to E20 fuel has been "phased, calibrated and evidence-based," noting that the ethanol blending rate was gradually raised from 1.53 per cent in 2013-14 to 20 per cent in 2025-26 following "scientific evaluation and stakeholder consultations at every stage."In its written response, the government said every increase in ethanol blending was preceded by detailed studies carried out in consultation with NITI Aayog, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Oil Marketing Companies and automobile manufacturers. The assessment process included laboratory tests, durability evaluations and field trials examining engine durability, fuel systems, corrosion resistance, drivability, emissions, fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance.The minister said service records maintained by vehicle manufacturers further reinforce these findings. "One leading four-wheeler manufacturer serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during FY 2025-26, including 1.5 crore older, non-E20-certified vehicles, without reporting any vehicular damage attributable to E20 fuel." Likewise, "one leading two-wheeler manufacturer reported, based on extensive service data, no higher incidence of damage in vehicles operating on E20 compared with earlier fuel blends."Addressing concerns over fuel economy, the government said mileage is influenced by several factors, including driving conditions, driving behaviour and vehicle maintenance. It added that "any reduction in fuel economy in certain older E10-designed vehicles is generally limited to about 3-5%, while E20 offers a higher octane rating, superior anti-knock characteristics, cleaner combustion and smoother engine operation."The minister also told the Rajya Sabha that there is currently "no decision" to raise ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent. "Any future decision regarding higher ethanol blends will be taken only after detailed scientific and technical studies and consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including automobile manufacturers, Oil Marketing Companies and research institutions," the reply said.The government also clarified that there is "no proposal to mandate the availability of non-blended or lower-blend petrol at select retail outlets," stating that its policy continues to focus on a gradual transition to cleaner and more sustainable fuels under the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme.Get the latest Business News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.