Noida, July 7 (APAC Media): The Indian government is likely to adopt a phased approach to rolling out E25 ethanol-blended petrol across the country amid concerns over vehicle compatibility and ecosystem readiness, following public backlash, The Indian Express reported.
The move comes after the government achieved its E20 ethanol-blended petrol target in just three years, significantly ahead of the original 2030 deadline.
There are currently two variants of ethanol-blended petrol available in the market — E20 and E85.
The report added that the government stressed the need to allow adequate time for ecosystem readiness, which is critical for avoiding a rushed transition to E25 ethanol-blended petrol.
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“The government believes that the transition beyond E20 should be gradual. Within the government, the transition beyond E20 should The government should phase the transition beyond E20. That is also the feedback we have received from vehicle manufacturers. The idea is to move to E25 in a calibrated, graded manner for the existing vehicle fleet,” a senior government official told The Indian Express.
Higher ethanol-blended petrol can reduce fuel efficiency in older vehicles that were not designed to run on higher ethanol content, The Indian Express reported.
“While a fuel with 10% ethanol (E10) made little difference to a car’s performance, the transition to E20 did affect the operating parameters of older vehicles,” the report said.
The report added that concerns over the impact on older vehicles are among the factors behind the government’s reported preference for a phased rollout of E25 ethanol-blended petrol.
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The government on Friday issued a 10-point clarification on its E20 ethanol blending programme, rejecting what it described as misinformation circulating on social media over engine damage, water consumption, vehicle warranties, fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the E20 programme, under which petrol contains up to 20% ethanol, is supported by scientific studies, regulatory safeguards and global experience.
“The recent clarifications from the government are important because they help separate facts from misconceptions. Ethanol today is much more than a blending fuel—it is a strategic contributor to India’s energy security, rural economic development, and sustainability ambitions. Modern grain-based ethanol facilities operate with advanced water management technologies that significantly reduce freshwater consumption while also creating value for farmers and strengthening domestic energy resilience,” said Anuj Agarwal, Chairman, Sunbridge Group.
The ministry said ethanol-blended petrol has been used for decades in several countries, including the United States, Brazil, Canada, Thailand, Japan and parts of Europe.
Citing trials led by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), it said tests conducted over around 40,000 km in passenger cars and 20,000 km in two-wheelers found no significant impact on drivability or fuel efficiency, with only marginal changes in mileage. It added that vehicles designed to run on E20 can also benefit from ethanol’s higher octane rating.
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The ministry also rejected claims that E20 damages engines or corrodes vehicle components, citing studies by ARAI, Indian Oil Corporation, the Indian Institute of Petroleum and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.
The ministry said the studies found no compatibility issues with metal or plastic components, although certain rubber parts in older vehicles may require earlier replacement.
It also said the use of E20 petrol does not affect the warranty or insurance coverage of vehicles designed or approved to run on the fuel, citing clarifications from automobile manufacturers and insurers.
–ENDS–
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