The Centre on Monday told Parliament that it has not received any widespread or substantiated complaints linking E20 (20% ethanol-blended) petrol to engine failures, corrosion, fuel pump damage or other major vehicle performance issues.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has been rolled out through a phased and scientifically validated process involving leading technical institutions and automobile industry stakeholders.
Government says no widespread complaints over E20 petrol
Responding to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Dr John Brittas, the government said there have been no widespread or verified complaints from automobile manufacturers, consumer organisations or industry bodies regarding engine failures, reduced fuel efficiency, corrosion, water contamination or other problems caused by E20 petrol.
The ministry added that concerns raised on social media and in some media reports were scientifically examined and found to be unsubstantiated.
According to the written reply, the number of verified complaints reported across states remains nil.
Scientific studies found E20 fuel safe
The government said extensive laboratory tests and field trials were conducted by organisations including the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and vehicle manufacturers.
The studies evaluated:
- Engine durability
- Fuel efficiency
- Vehicle drivability
- Cold start performance
- Corrosion resistance
- Material compatibility
- Emissions
- Overall vehicle performance
According to the ministry, the studies concluded that E20 petrol is safe when used according to prescribed standards. It also stated that older vehicles did not show significant performance loss or abnormal wear due to E20 fuel.
Over 23 crore vehicles running on higher ethanol blends
The government informed Parliament that more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars have been operating on higher ethanol blends without verified evidence of widespread engine damage linked to E20 fuel.
It added that E15+ petrol has been in use for more than three-and-a-half years, while E19-E20 fuel has been available for over two-and-a-half years.
No advisory issued on water contamination
The Petroleum Ministry also clarified that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have not issued any advisory warning motorists about water contamination specifically caused by ethanol-blended petrol.
It said ethanol-blended fuel supplied by OMCs complies with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications.
Fuel quality is monitored through strict procedures covering procurement, blending, transportation, storage and retail distribution.
The ministry further said OMCs have conducted more than 30,000 fuel quality checks at petrol pumps over the past 10 to 20 days to detect adulteration and ensure compliance with fuel quality standards.
India achieves 20% ethanol blending ahead of target
Highlighting the progress of the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, the government said India achieved 20% ethanol blending five years ahead of its original target.
According to the ministry, since the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2014-15, the programme has:
- Saved more than ₹1.97 lakh crore in foreign exchange.
- Reduced crude oil imports by nearly 316 lakh metric tonnes.
- Prevented around 952 lakh metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
- Generated over ₹1.66 lakh crore in additional income for Indian farmers.
The ministry said its conclusion that there are “no widespread issues” related to E20 petrol is based on scientific testing, technical validation, manufacturer data, extensive real-world usage and continuous monitoring.
