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Indian govt to take graded approach for E25 ethanol-blend petrol due to compatibility concerns.
E25 Fuel Rollout Likely to Be Gradual as Govt Weighs Readiness, Report Says
The Indian government is likely to take a graded approach in promoting E25 ethanol-blend petrol across the country, amid facing a severe public backlash with concerns of vehicle compatibility and ecosystem readiness, according to a report of the Indian Express.
The government’s next target came just after it achieved E20 ethanol blend petrol in just three years from its proposed target of 2030.
There are now two variants of ethanol-blend petrol available in the market – E20 and E80.
The Indian Express report added that the government emphasized the need to give sufficient time for ecosystem readiness and why they must avoid pushing through the transition to the E25 fuel.
“There is a view (within the government) that the transition beyond E20 will need to be spaced out. That is the sense we have got from vehicle manufacturers too. The idea is to go to E25 in a calibrated, graded manner for existing vehicles,” a senior government official told The Indian Express.
A higher ethanol blend in petrol for older engines that have been manufactured earlier, before the changes, results in a fall in fuel economy, according to the Indian Express report.
“While a fuel with 10% ethanol (E10) made little difference to a car’s performance, the transition to E20 did impact the operational parameters of older vehicles,” the report added.
Govt Issues 10-Point Clarification On E20 Ethanol Blending
The government on Friday pushed back against what it called misinformation surrounding India’s E20 ethanol blending programme, issuing a detailed 10-point clarification to counter viral claims on social media about engine damage, water consumption, vehicle warranties, fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the E20 programme, under which petrol contains up to 20% ethanol, is backed by scientific studies, regulatory safeguards and international experience.
The ministry said ethanol-blended petrol has been in use across several countries, including the United States, Brazil, Canada, Thailand, Japan and European nations, for decades.
Citing Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)-led trials, the government said testing over about 40,000 km in passenger cars and 20,000 km in two-wheelers found no significant impact on drivability or fuel efficiency, with only “marginal” changes in mileage. Vehicles designed for E20 can also benefit from ethanol’s higher octane rating, it added.
Rejecting claims that E20 harms engines or corrodes vehicle components, the ministry referred to studies by ARAI, Indian Oil Corporation, the Indian Institute of Petroleum and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.
These found no compatibility issues with metal or plastic parts, though some rubber components in older vehicles may need earlier replacement.
The government said using E20 fuel does not invalidate warranties or insurance for vehicles that are designed or approved to run on the blend, citing clarifications from automobile manufacturers and insurers.
About the Author
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the I…Read More
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