No Plans to Raise Ethanol Blending Beyond 20% in Petrol, Government Tells Parliament
The Union government has informed Parliament that no decision has been taken to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20% target, nor to introduce ethanol blending in diesel for commercial use. This clarification came from Suresh Gopi, Union Minister of State for Petroleum, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
In his response, Mr. Gopi stated, “At present, no decision has been taken by the government to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20% or to introduce ethanol blending in diesel for commercial use.” He added that any future move would be based on comprehensive scientific evaluation, vehicle compatibility studies, stakeholder consultations, and the availability of adequate domestic production capacity.
The statement comes despite recent measures by the government to promote biofuel blending. In June this year, the government exempted petrol blended with 22% to 30% ethanol from central excise duties. Additionally, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notified technical standards for commercial roll-out of higher ethanol blends.
India achieved its target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol five years ahead of schedule in 2025. The Minister informed the Upper House that 15% blending has been in widespread use for over three-and-a-half years, and the E19-E20 blend has been prevalent for over two-and-a-half years.
Addressing concerns about engine damage, Mr. Gopi said that more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars have been operating on these blends without any verified evidence of widespread engine failure or breakdown attributable to ethanol blending.
The government's stance indicates that while higher blends may be tested and incentivised, no immediate policy change is on the horizon. The focus remains on ensuring compatibility and supply before any further mandates.
