Overview
- India made E20 the sole retail petrol grade on April 1, 2026, replacing lower-ethanol fuels across the country to raise ethanol use and cut oil imports.
- Since the national switch, some motorists—especially owners of older cars and two‑wheelers—have reported reduced performance and alleged damage after using E20, prompting public complaints and political criticism.
- Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran reportedly suggested offering E10 as an option, and the central government opened exploratory discussions about reintroducing E10 for older vehicles but has not decided to change policy.
- Oil marketing companies and Oil Ministry sources say selling E10 alongside E20 would require separate storage, transport and pipeline handling, would raise costs, and could increase the risk of fuel adulteration and other malpractices.
- The debate pits the policy goal of boosting domestic ethanol production and cutting imports—achieved early with 20% blending—against practical worries about vehicle compatibility, pump infrastructure and the financial burden on consumers.