What happened: Government reiterates no plan to raise nationwide ethanol blending above 20%

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a Lok Sabha written reply by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Suresh Gopi, stated that no decision has been taken to increase ethanol blending with petrol beyond 20% on a nationwide basis. The Ministry added that any future decision on higher ethanol blends would be taken only after detailed scientific and technical studies and consultations with relevant stakeholders, including automobile manufacturers, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), and research institutions.

Background and earlier position: EBP Programme progressed through phased validation and stakeholder consultation

Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP Programme) in India has been implemented through a phased, scientifically validated and consultative process involving NITI Aayog and technical and industry stakeholders such as Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP). The Government claims that India achieved 20% ethanol blending five years ahead of the original target, after long phased policy development, stakeholder consultation, scientific evaluation, and capacity creation.

What changed now: A boundary is reaffirmed—E20 is treated as the nationwide ceiling, while E85 stays for certified Flex Fuel Vehicles

The Government drew a distinction between E20 and E85. The Ministry stated that E85 fuel (85% ethanol and 15% petrol) has been introduced exclusively for Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) designed and certified for E85, and that it does not constitute an increase in the nationwide base ethanol blending level of petrol. The Ministry also provided year-wise progress of average blending and reiterated that E20 was rolled out only after validation of fuel systems, engine durability, drivability, material compatibility, and emissions performance.

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