The Central Government gave a big statement during the hearing in the Supreme Court regarding the plan to mix 20 percent ethanol (E20) in petrol. The government told the court that E20 is currently just an ‘experiment’ and its real impact will be known only by next year. In the hearing held on Tuesday, the Supreme Court did not stay the order of the Karnataka High Court for the time being, but asked to maintain the status quo. The High Court had asked oil companies (OMCs) to consider increasing the allocation of ethanol for 2025-26. This order has been challenged by Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) in the Supreme Court.
Attorney General R Venkataramani, appearing in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Central Government, said that the program of mixing ethanol in petrol is progressing continuously. Its full effect will be clearly visible by next year. He informed that all the contracts for ethanol supply for 2025-26 were completed in October 2025. According to the government, on October 17, 2025, 378 suppliers were given the responsibility to supply a total of 1,050 crore liters of ethanol. Of these, about 680 crore liters of ethanol has been supplied till June 18.
Also read: Sometimes together, sometimes apart, AAP and DMK signed the letter of INDIA alliance to CJI
How did the controversy start with the High Court order?
The case started when an ethanol manufacturing company from Karnataka filed a petition in the High Court saying that it had a production capacity of 9.9 crore liters but it got the allocation of supply of only 3.92 crore liters of ethanol for 2025-26. The High Court, while giving its verdict in favor of the company, had directed Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum and Indian Oil to consider increasing the allocation. BPCL reached the Supreme Court against this.
Why are questions being raised on E20?
At present, E20 fuel is being sold in the country by mixing 20% ethanol in petrol. Some people say that this may affect the engine and mileage of old vehicles. However, the central government says that till now no scientific evidence has been found to prove that E20 fuel causes harm to vehicles.
Also read: Conspiracy to overturn Buddha Purnima Express in Gaya, driver averted the accident
The government has achieved the target of blending 20% ethanol in petrol under the National Biofuel Policy by 2022. At present, no official decision has been taken to add more ethanol, but the government has not ruled out the possibility of increasing its quantity in future.
Comments are closed.