New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday said the nationwide rollout of E20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol) was carried out through a phased and scientifically validated process, with extensive consultations involving automobile manufacturers, technical institutions and oil marketing companies.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was implemented after detailed studies and consultations with NITI Aayog, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and other stakeholders.
According to the government, laboratory studies and field trials assessed engine durability, drivability, startability, corrosion resistance, material compatibility, emissions and fuel efficiency, concluding that E20 fuel is safe for use under prescribed standards.
The minister said the studies found no significant deterioration in performance or abnormal wear and tear in legacy vehicles using E20 fuel. The government’s assessment is also based on real-world usage, with around eight crore vehicles visiting fuel stations every day, nearly 80% of them petrol-powered.
The Centre noted that E15+ blended petrol has been in widespread use for over three-and-a-half years, while E19-E20 fuel has been available for more than two-and-a-half years. During this period, over 20 crore two-wheelers and more than three crore petrol cars have operated on higher ethanol blends without verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown linked to ethanol blending.
The government said manufacturer service data have not indicated abnormal corrosion, excessive wear or reduced vehicle life due to E20 fuel. It added that automobile manufacturers continue to honour warranty claims for vehicles using E20, reflecting confidence in the fuel’s safety.
Citing industry feedback, the minister said a leading automobile manufacturer serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during 2025-26, including nearly 1.5 crore vehicles not originally certified as E20-compatible, without reporting E20-related corrosion or component damage. Another manufacturer reported similar findings based on data from 1.4 crore vehicles.
According to SIAM and ARAI, E20 fuel can improve acceleration and ride quality while reducing carbon emissions. The organisations said ethanol’s higher octane rating supports modern high-compression engines and enhances combustion efficiency.
