Page 2 - Ethanol 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

Ethanol blending for fuel a welcome move, but transition challenges remain

From the consumer point of view, the transition needed better management

E20 petrol is safe but can lower mileage, acceleration: Mahindra Auto CEO

Transport minister Nitin Gadkari, however, on Wednesday said that concerns about E20 are being fuelled by the petroleum lobby

E20 fuel criticism is propaganda by 'rich and strong' petrol lobby: Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari dismissed concerns over E20 fuel efficiency as propaganda by a powerful petrol lobby, while stressing growth and innovation in the auto sector

Gadkari blames petroleum "lobby" for fuelling concerns over E20 rollout

Since the rollout of the E20 blend, concerns have been raised that it may reduce vehicle mileage, affect engine life, and increase costs

India's nationwide rollout of E20 ethanol fuel sparks confusion, panic

E20 is petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol, an alcohol mainly produced from sugarcane and grains such as maize and rice

Govt allows production of ethanol from sugarcane juice syrup, molasses

The world's second-biggest sugar producer had restricted production in the current marketing year because of a drop in sugarcane supplies

SC dismisses PIL against E20 policy, backs ethanol blending programme

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the E20 ethanol blending policy, reinforcing India's push for cleaner fuels and support for sugarcane farmers

Carmakers assure warranty cover for older vehicles using E20 fuel

Automakers are in the process of informing dealers about E20 usage in older cars and related guidelines

India's E20 ethanol fuel rollout sparks driver backlash; carmakers worry

India, the world's third largest car market, set a 2025 target years ago for 20% ethanol blending in fuel, called E20, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on clean energy

E20 rollout linked to wear and tear in 28% of older petrol vehicles: Survey

Over one-third of vehicle owners also report reduced mileage since E20 petrol introduction; many urge govt to consider optional, lower-priced sale

'Fuel efficiency may decline by 2-5% due to 20% ethanol-blended petrol'

The usage of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol in vehicles could lead to a 2-5 per cent drop in fuel efficiency, depending on the type of cars, according to automotive industry experts. In the midst of social media debate over the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles, automotive engineers working with some of the major automakers, whom PTI spoke to, said that in older vehicles, which are not E20 compliant, there could be erosion of gaskets, fuel rubber hoses and pipes in the long term, but not immediately. "There can be a drop in mileage ranging from 2-5 per cent, depending on the type of vehicle. This is purely because of the lower calorific value of ethanol compared to petrol," said an expert requesting anonymity. Earlier this month, the Oil Ministry clarified that "the critiques suggest that E20 causes a 'drastic' reduction in fuel efficiency are misplaced". However, it did not state the percentage drop in fuel efficiency. "The efficiency drop (if any) in E10 vehicles has been margin

Is ethanol-blended petrol damaging your car? | Mileage | Petroleum Ministry | Fuel

Ever wondered what you're really filling up at the petrol pump? It’s not 100% petrol, it’s E20, a blend with 20% ethanol. Many vehicle owners say it's affecting mileage and engine performance.

Explainer | E5, E10, E20: What do these ethanol labels actually mean?

India achieved the 20 per cent ethanol blending target (E20) around five years ahead of schedule, initially set for 2030

How Brazil, US, and EU tackled ethanol blends before India's E20 push

India's move to widespread E20 ethanol-blended petrol follows the footsteps of Brazil, the US, and Europe - offering key lessons in consumer acceptance, industry policy, and vehicle readiness

E20 petrol won't affect fuel efficiency, may boost performance, says govt

Refuting claims that E20 petrol affects fuel efficiency, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas highlighted E20 petrol's environmental benefits, improved engine performance

Two-thirds of petrol vehicle owners oppose government's E20 fuel mandate

Survey highlights mileage drop and cost concerns among older vehicle owners; industry urges phased transition to higher ethanol blends

Cleaner fuel, lower mileage: Will ethanol blend hurt your car engines?

Ethanol can promote corrosion of metal components, and strip deposits from fuel systems, potentially clogging filters and lines. So higher the blend, higher the chances of old engines getting affected

India achieves 20% ethanol blending target 5 yrs ahead of schedule: Isma

India has achieved its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol five years ahead of schedule, the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said on Friday. The achievement represents dramatic growth from the modest 1.5 per cent blending rate when the program began in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, ISMA said in a statement. The ethanol blending program has delivered substantial economic and environmental benefits, according to ISMA data. Ethanol production surged from 38 crore litres in 2014 to 661 crore litres blended as of June 2025, while generating 698 lakh tonnes in carbon dioxide emission reductions. The program has provided significant financial benefits to India's agricultural sector, with farmers receiving Rs 1.18 lakh crore and distilleries earning Rs 1.96 lakh crore over the period. The initiative has also helped India save Rs 1.36 lakh crore in foreign exchange costs. "This achievement is a monumental leap for ...

Maha permits ethanol production from maize and rice for petrol blending

The Maharashtra government has allowed the use of food grains such as maize and rice to produce ethanol through the dual feed method, to be used for blending with petrol. The ethanol thus produced shall not be used for liquor production, said an order issued by the state home department. The central and state governments earlier allowed the use of sugarcane juice and molasses for ethanol production. With the latest decision, distilleries can now operate even during the season when sugarcane is not available. Welcoming the move, B B Thombre, chairman of the West Indian Sugar Mills Association (WISMA), said, "We had requested the government to allow ethanol production from food grains during the (sugarcane) off-season." Thombre, who also heads Natural Sugars and Allied Industries, a private sugar mill, said the decision will help stabilise maize prices and generate year-round demand. "Farmers will benefit significantly, especially with maize fetching Rs 2,800 per quintal," he said,