No decision has been taken yet regarding mixing more than 20 percent ethanol in petrol: Central Government revoinews

New Delhi, 21 July 2026: Amidst the concerns being expressed across the country and attacks from opposition forces regarding mixing more than 20% ethanol in petrol, the Central Government has clarified its position. Allaying the apprehensions of the countrymen and motorists, the government has said that at present no decision has been taken regarding increasing the ethanol content in petrol beyond 20%. Along with this, the government has also clarified that no comprehensive or official complaints have been received from vehicle manufacturing companies or customers regarding the performance of vehicles or engine failure after the use of E20 petrol across the country.

In a written reply to a question asked in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi had informed that the government has not considered increasing the amount of ethanol blending in petrol above the current level of 20%. In future, if there is any need to increase this mixture, it will be decided only after deep study at scientific and technical level. Apart from this, further steps will be taken only after extensive discussions with all the concerned stakeholders including automobile manufacturing companies, oil marketing companies and research institutes.

India has achieved the target of 20% ethanol blending about 5 years ahead of the set deadline. Due to this program, which has been implemented in a phased manner for the last two decades, the average ethanol blending which was only 1.53% in the year 2013-14 has increased to 20% in the supply year of 2025-26. The country has benefited greatly from this campaign in the economic and environmental fields. Since 2014-15, more than ₹ 1.97 trillion in foreign exchange has been saved, approximately 316 lakh tonnes of crude oil consumption has been reduced and 952 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions have been avoided. Apart from this, farmers getting fair prices for their produce have added more than ₹ 1.66 lakh crore to their additional income.

• More than 20 crore two-wheelers and more than 3 crore petrol cars are running on the roads in the country.

Regarding the apprehensions of damage to vehicles due to the use of ethanol mixed fuel, the Minister said that after taking note of the ongoing discussion in social media and media, a scientific investigation has been conducted. More than 20 crore two-wheelers and more than 3 crore petrol cars are running on the roads in the country. Many of these vehicles are from before E20 certification and have been running on E15-Plus and E19-E20 fuel for the last 2.5 to 3.5 years, yet till now there has not been a single confirmed incident of engine seizure or vehicle stalling.

Service data of 2.84 crore vehicles of a leading four-wheeler manufacturer (of which 1.5 crore were non-E20 certified) and data of two-wheeler manufacturers also did not show any fuel related losses. There may be a noticeable 3% to 5% difference in mileage on older model vehicles, but E20 fuel provides higher octane and cleaner combustion.

Regarding food security of the country, Minister Suresh Gopi had clarified that the target of 20% mixing has not had any adverse effect on the food supply. Only that grain is used for ethanol production which is surplus after meeting the requirements of Public Distribution System, National Food Security Act and buffer stock. The quantity of rice used for ethanol has increased from 31.11 lakh tonnes in the year 2024-25 to 39.28 lakh tonnes in 2025-26 (till June 30), while the consumption of corn has decreased from 131.18 lakh tonnes to 67.87 lakh tonnes.

Apart from this, with the use of crops like corn, the share of corn in ethanol production has increased from 0% in 2021-22 to 37% in 2025-26. 3 to 5 liters of processed water is used for one liter of ethanol. Oil companies have purchased 705.43 crore liters of ethanol worth ₹ 49,577 crore till June in 2025-26. Earlier, 1033.31 crore liters of ethanol worth ₹73,996 crore was purchased in 2024-25 and 679.04 crore liters of ethanol worth ₹48,757 crore was purchased in 2023-24. Currently 501 ethanol suppliers are registered.