The debate regarding the government's ethanol blending program seems to be intensifying again. On Monday, the government's Chief Economic Advisor Dr V Ananth Nageswaran suggested in an article that the option of providing E10 petrol for older vehicles should be considered as there are millions of vehicles in the country which are not ready to use high ethanol blended petrol. Amid this important debate, the country's largest state-owned oil company – Indian Oil – tweeted on Monday that switching to E20 has brought huge benefits to the country.
**4 main benefits of ethanol blending**
Indian Oil also released several important statistics related to this initiative, which include:
* The Ethanol-Blended Petrol Program has resulted in foreign exchange savings of over ₹1.97 lakh crore.
* Ethanol has replaced about 316 lakh metric tons of crude oil.
* CO₂ emissions have reduced by approximately 952 lakh metric tonnes.
* A total of more than ₹1.66 lakh crore has been paid to farmers.
In recent times, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas along with other major state oil companies have promoted the benefits of E20 fuel and highlighted its benefits to consumers and the country.
**Petroleum Ministry has also told the benefits**
In a social media post, the Petroleum Ministry said, “The key feature of E20 is its high octane level. Ethanol increases the octane rating, prevents engine 'knocking' and ensures smooth engine performance. After testing and validation, E20 becomes part of India's clean mobility journey. E20: Tested. Certified. High Octane.”
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, E20 has been tested and validated on several important parameters such as engine durability, driveability, startability, material compatibility and corrosion resistance. These tests increase confidence in E20 compatibility and vehicle performance, helping consumers make informed decisions as India moves towards clean mobility.
Additionally, vehicle mileage doesn't just depend on fuel; Driving habits, traffic conditions, vehicle maintenance, tire pressure and AC usage also play an important role. Although E20 fuel has been extensively tested and validated, actual mileage ultimately depends on driving style and vehicle conditions.