MoS Petroleum Suresh Gopi dismisses concerns over E20; says govt. plans to increase ethanol content further

His remarks come amid concerns following findings attributed to the Karnataka government that most petrol samples tested in the state contained more than 20 per cent ethanol, raising questions about the actual blending levels in fuel being sold across the country.

The issue has brought renewed attention to India's ethanol-blending programme, under which the Centre has been promoting the use of ethanol as an alternative fuel component to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower carbon emissions and support the agricultural sector.

Responding to concerns about the impact of higher ethanol content on vehicles, Suresh Gopi maintained that there was no reason for motorists to be worried. His remarks also indicate that the Centre remains committed to expanding ethanol blending beyond the current levels.

However, the issue has raised questions about vehicle compatibility, fuel quality, mileage and the long-term impact of higher ethanol blends on engines, particularly in older vehicles that may not have been designed to operate on such fuel.

India has been steadily increasing ethanol blending as part of its energy-transition strategy. The government's push is aimed at reducing the country's reliance on imported petroleum products while creating an additional market for agricultural produce.

The debate is now centred on balancing the government's clean-energy ambitions with consumer concerns, vehicle compatibility and transparency regarding the actual ethanol content in petrol sold at fuel stations.