Page 2 - Ethanol Blending Programme

Best of BS Opinion: Does the world need an international anti-ecocide law?

Today's opinions examine environmental destruction in war, the strategic race for frontier AI and the lessons India can draw from Brazil's ethanol transition.

E20 may cut mileage by up to 5% but offers cleaner combustion: Oil Ministry

Petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol (E20) can reduce fuel economy by 3-5 per cent in some vehicles, the Oil Ministry said on Friday, but argued the impact is outweighed by benefits, including a higher octane rating, superior anti-knock characteristics, faster combustion, better pickup, smoother acceleration, cleaner engine operation, and lower lifecycle carbon emissions. In a detailed question-and-answer document issued to counter criticism of the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said E20 was a "cleaner, higher-quality and more efficient fuel" than E10 or pure petrol and had been rolled out only after years of scientific testing, consultations with automobile manufacturers and the expansion of domestic ethanol production. The ministry rejected concerns that the programme had been implemented too quickly, saying India's ethanol blending initiative dates back to pilot projects launched in 2001, with 5 per cent blending introduced in parts

Why E20 isn't cheaper despite containing more ethanol? Govt explains

If one-fifth of every litre of petrol is now ethanol, why hasn't E20 become cheaper? Here's the government's answer

Isma rejects misinformation around E20, urges 'evidence-based' discussion

Isma's appeal comes days after the government released a fact sheet rebutting social media 'misinformation' about India's E20 ethanol blending programme

Best of BS Opinion: India's ethanol blending plans need better design

Today's opinions examine India's ethanol-blending policy, urban employment trends, MGNREGA reforms, energy security after the Strait of Hormuz disruptions, and Project Cheetah

Does E20 fuel cut mileage by 30%? Government responds to key concerns

The government has responded to claims surrounding E20 petrol, addressing concerns over mileage loss, engine damage, insurance, fuel prices and water use

Brazil's ethanol success story shows biofuel transition takes time

Brazil's ethanol programme evolved from an oil crisis response into the world's most successful biofuel model. Here's how it progressed from Pró-Álcool to E30

66% of pre-2023 petrol vehicle owners report over 10% mileage drop: Survey

Compared with May 2026, the share of respondents reporting a mileage decline of more than 10 per cent increased by 21 percentage points within a month, representing a 47 per cent jump

E20 rollout an 'experiment', results will be known next year, govt tells SC

Attorney General R Venkataramani said the government was evaluating the nationwide rollout of E20 fuel and would have the results of the exercise by next year

Best of BS Opinion: E85 policy push needs a coherent transport roadmap

From India's biofuel push and FIFA's commercial priorities to pressure on the rupee, shifts in the global arms market and Malayalam cinema's evolution, here are today's key opinion pieces

Govt to launch E85 fuel with 85% ethanol, challenge oil dependence

The new fuel enters the market amid lingering concerns over the impact of ethanol blends on mileage and engine durability

Maruti Suzuki showcases Wagon R flex fuel as India expands E85 plans

The Wagon R flex fuel can run on ethanol blends up to E85 and is technically compatible with fuel blends ranging from E20 to E100

How govt's E85, E100 push tests India's ethanol supply and storage limits

India is preparing the ground for E85 and E100 fuels, but moving beyond E20 will depend on whether the country can produce enough ethanol, store it safely, and distribute it efficiently at scale

Centre proposes rules to allow higher ethanol-blended fuels in vehicles

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said the draft includes provisions for E85 fuel, a blend of ‌85% ethanol with petrol, and E100, which would allow vehicles to run on nearly pure ethanol

Sugar industry seeks cap on exports to divert supply for ethanol

Senior industry official said the government also seems amenable to this, as producing more ethanol has become a national priority given the impact of the West Asia war on petroleum prices

E20 petrol with RON 95 mandatory from April 1: What it means for your car

From April 1, all petrol pumps will sell E20 fuel with minimum RON 95; the government has kept the option open to grant temporary exemptions

No plans to phase out or retrofit of E20 non-compliant vehicles: Gadkari

Since E20 fuel was made mandatory across India in April 2025, vehicle owners have increasingly reported issues related to mileage, engine performance and overall drivability

AM Green looking to set up more biorefineries in India: CTO S S V Ramakumar

Following the commissioning of its Rs 4,500 crore bamboo-based biorefinery in Assam, AM Green plans more projects in India to scale ethanol production for petrol blending

Best of BS Opinion: Ethanol blend welcome, but water security a key concern

Today's wrap of the Opinion Page considers the E20 mandate and its potential impacts, what a US court's ruling on Google means, India's spice trade, and the regulatory aspects of options trading

Food Minister Pralhad Joshi for sugar sector to tap global biofuel market

Gadkari calls for using isobutanol for blending with diesel