Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi on Monday, July 20, informed the Rajya Sabha that the central government has not taken any decision regarding increasing ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20 per cent level.
In a written reply, Gopi noted that any any future move regarding this will be based on detailed scientific studies and consultations with stakeholders, IANS reported.
“Any proposal to increase the blending level would be considered only after comprehensive scientific and technical studies and consultations with automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies and research institutions,” he said.
“India achieved its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol five years ahead of schedule, with the average blending level rising from about 1.53 per cent in 2013-14 to 20 per cent during the 2025-26 ethanol supply year after more than two decades of phased implementation,” the minister noted.
Further, the Parliament was informed that the ethanol blending programme has delivered substantial economic and environmental benefits since 2014-15.
Overall, it helped save over ₹1.97 lakh crore in foreign exchange, reduced crude oil imports by nearly 316 lakh tonnes, cut around 952 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and generated more than ₹1.66 lakh crore in additional income for farmers.
On concerns related to vehicle performance, Gopi said the central government has not received any widespread or substantiated complaints from vehicle manufacturers, automobile associations or consumer groups regarding engine failures, fuel pump issues, corrosion or water contamination linked to E20 fuel.
“More than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars, including many manufactured before E20 certification, have been using E15-plus and E19-E20 fuel for more than two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half years without any verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown,” the minister stated.