Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has strongly dismissed concerns about the impact of 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) on vehicles. Speaking at the Business Today India@100 Summit, he challenged critics to name a single car in India that has suffered issues due to E20, stating that none have been reported so far.

Support from Industry and Regulators

Gadkari cited statements from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) endorsing the safety of E20. Both organisations have confirmed that the rollout meets established standards after extensive testing and evaluation.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Highlighting the programme’s broader benefits, Gadkari said ethanol blending reduces crude oil importscurbs vehicular emissions, and boosts rural incomes. Corn prices, for example, have more than doubled since ethanol production began utilising the crop. This shift, he said, diversifies agriculture towards energy and power production while providing stable revenue for farmers.

Government Data Counters Public Concerns

Days earlier, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a detailed clarification addressing fears over E20’s impact on performance. Long-term testing by ARAI, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, and Indian Oil Corporation’s R&D team found no statistically significant differences in power, torque, or mileage compared to conventional petrol. Even older vehicles showed no abnormal wear and tear.

While ethanol’s lower energy density can lead to a slight mileage drop—1–2 percent for newer vehicles and 3–6 percent for older ones—the ministry described the decline as minor. Corrosion fears were also dismissed, with officials noting that E20 contains corrosion inhibitors and meets strict national fuel standards.

Long-Term Strategy, Not a Rushed Rollout

The ethanol blending plan is guided by the Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020–25, developed in consultation with automakers, oil companies, and regulators. The government emphasised that the transition has been phased and thoroughly tested, rejecting claims of a hurried rollout.

By combining cleaner energy goals with economic incentives for farmers, the E20 programme is positioned as a cornerstone of India’s strategy for energy security and emission reduction.