The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that the Government has not taken any decision to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20%. It said any future move towards higher ethanol blends would be considered only after detailed scientific studies, technical evaluations and consultations with automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies, research institutions and other stakeholders.
The ministry clarified that E85 fuel, containing 85% ethanol and 15% petrol, has been introduced exclusively for Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) certified to operate on such fuel and does not represent an increase in the nationwide ethanol blending level.
According to the ministry, India’s average ethanol blending has steadily increased over the past four years. The average blending level was about 12% in 2022-23, 14.6% in 2023-24, 19.2% in 2024-25, and reached 20% during the 2025-26 ethanol supply year (November-June), enabling the country to achieve its E20 target five years ahead of the original schedule.
The Government said E20 fuel has undergone extensive scientific validation through studies conducted by NITI Aayog, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and other technical institutions.
It noted that E15 fuel has been in use for more than three-and-a-half years, while E19-E20 fuel has been used for over two-and-a-half years without verified evidence of widespread engine failures or deterioration in vehicle durability. More than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore four-wheelers are currently operating on these blends.
The ministry further said one of India’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturers serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during FY 2025-26, including approximately 1.5 crore older vehicles that were not E20-certified, without reporting E20-related engine damage or abnormal component wear.
The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has also delivered measurable national benefits. According to the Government, it has saved more than ₹1.97 lakh crore in foreign exchange, replaced nearly 316 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil imports, reduced around 952 lakh metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, and transferred over ₹1.66 lakh crore to farmers.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Source: This article is based on an official press release issued by The Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India
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