Overview

• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has dismissed major vehicle harm concerns as “largely unfounded” and unsupported by scientific evidence
• Tests by ARAI, IIP, Indian Oil R&D and international research showed no significant engine damage, power loss or abnormal wear in vehicles run on E20 over 100,000 km
• Ethanol’s lower energy density accounts for a marginal mileage drop of 1–2% in vehicles calibrated for E10 and tuned for E20 and 3–6% in older or non-optimized models
• Consumers have reported up to a 4–6% reduction in fuel economy and issues like engine knocking, underscoring calls for clearer labelling at petrol pumps
• Having attained its 20% blending target ahead of schedule, India is now drafting standards for a 27% ethanol blend to bolster energy security and cut carbon emissions