The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has been implemented through a phased, scientifically validated and consultative process involving NITI Aayog, automobile manufacturers, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and other technical institutions.

Ethanol is not a new fuel. It has been used globally for over a century, with countries such as Brazil operating higher ethanol blends for decades. In India, the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme commenced with a pilot in 2001, E5 was introduced in 2006, and although blending remained around 1.53% in 2013-14, it has since been increased progressively in a calibrated manner after creating the necessary production capacity, infrastructure and regulatory framework.

The rollout of higher ethanol blends was undertaken only after extensive consultation with automobile manufacturers, SIAM, ARAI, component manufacturers, testing agencies and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

The Government has not received any widespread or substantiated complaints from vehicle manufacturers, automobile associations or consumer organisations regarding the use of E20 petrol with respect to fuel efficiency, engine performance, maintenance costs and the overall driving experience. The Government has, however, taken note of certain concerns raised in media and social media, which have been scientifically examined.

Extensive laboratory studies and field trials conducted by ARAI, SIAM, IOCL, IIP and automobile manufacturers covering parameters such as engine durability, drivability, startability, corrosion resistance, material compatibility, emissions and fuel efficiency have confirmed that E20 is safe for use under prescribed standards.

These studies also established that legacy vehicles do not exhibit any significant variation in performance or abnormal wear and tear due to E20. These extensive laboratory studies, field validation and real-world operating experience have not established any widespread adverse impact on vehicle performance due to E20 fuel.

The Government's assessment is based not only on laboratory research but also on large-scale experience after nationwide implementation. India witnesses approximately 8 crore vehicles visiting retail outlets every day (around 80% petrol vehicles).

E15+ blended petrol has been in widespread use for over three-and-a-half years and E19-E20 fuel for over two-and-a-half years. More than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars have been operating on these blends without any verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown attributable to ethanol blending. Manufacturer service data confirm that there is no abnormal corrosion, wear or reduction in vehicle life due to E20 fuel. Manufacturers continue to honour warranty obligations for vehicles using E20 fuel, providing further confidence in its safety and reliability.

A leading OEM serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during FY 2025-26, including approximately 1.5 crore vehicles that were not originally certified as E20-compatible, and reported no E20-linked corrosion, abnormal wear or reduction in component life. A leading 2-wheeler company has reported similar field experience. One OEM recently stated that data from 1.4 crore E20-operated vehicles tracked over an extended period showed no evidence of ethanol-induced corrosion. ARAI reaffirmed that vehicles undergo rigorous international-standard validation before reaching consumers.

With regard to mileage, studies by Government agencies and automobile manufacturers indicate that fuel efficiency is influenced by several factors, including driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle maintenance. Any reduction in fuel economy in certain 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 performance.

Automobile manufacturers, component suppliers, SIAM, ARAI, testing agencies and Oil Marketing Companies were associated with every stage of the scientific evaluation and phased rollout of E20. E20 was rolled out only after successful validation of fuel systems, engine durability, drivability, reasonable material compatibility and emissions performance. These studies also established that legacy vehicles do not exhibit any significant variation in performance or abnormal wear and tear due to E20.

According to SIAM and ARAI, E20 improves acceleration and ride quality while reducing carbon emissions. Ethanol's higher-octane number supports modern high-compression engines and its higher heat of vaporisation improves combustion efficiency.

The transition to E20 has also delivered significant national benefits. The Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme has saved over ₹1.97 lakh crore in foreign exchange, substituted nearly 316 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, reduced around 952 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions and transferred over ₹1.66 lakh crore to farmers.

Further, OMCs follow stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering procurement, blending, storage, transportation and retail dispensing. Fuel quality is tested at the distillery, depot and retail outlet. Based on complaints received, OMCs have also carried out over 30,000 quality checks (in the last 10-20 days) at retail outlets to detect adulteration and ensure that only specification-compliant fuel reaches consumers. State Governments have also been requested to adopt zero tolerance against any instance of fuel adulteration

Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have established robust consumer grievance redressal mechanisms to receive, investigate and resolve customer complaints and suggestions, including those relating to E20 fuel. Customers can register their grievances through multiple offline and online channels such as complaint/suggestion registers available at all retail outlets, dedicated toll-free customer care numbers, company websites and mobile applications, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, social media platforms, e-mail, and the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). The contact details of dealers and concerned field officers are prominently displayed at retail outlets to facilitate prompt grievance redressal. All complaints received through these channels are duly investigated and resolved within the stipulated timeframe in accordance with the established procedures of the OMCs.

Public awareness initiatives are also undertaken to educate consumers about the technical compatibility of E20 fuel with all petrol vehicles without any performance issue and the environmental and energy security benefits of ethanol blending. Consumer feedback received through the grievance redressal mechanisms is regularly monitored by the OMCs, and appropriate corrective measures are taken wherever required to ensure consumer confidence while advancing the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme.

This information was given by the MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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TM