Summary of this article
Puri says E20 may slightly reduce mileage, varies by vehicle conditions.
Clarifies insurance coverage remains valid despite ethanol-blended fuel usage concerns.
Supports coexistence of EV, hybrid, CNG, biofuel for cleaner mobility transition.
As concerns over E20 ethanol-blended fuel continue to surface, questions have been raised about its impact on vehicle mileage, insurance coverage and overall performance. Responding to these concerns, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri clarified the government’s position and responded to the claims.
At a press conference in Delhi, Puri said fuel mileage may drop slightly, but added that it can vary due to several factors. He also said ethanol is already used in racing cars as it improves acceleration. Referring to engine knocking, an unwanted knocking or pinging sound caused when fuel burns unevenly inside the engine, he said ethanol improves engine running.
He said the government had reached the current stage of ethanol blending only after consulting all stakeholders, including the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). He said the decision was taken after discussions with the relevant industry bodies and technical experts.
Besides mileage, Puri also sought to clarify concerns over insurance coverage for vehicles using ethanol-blended fuel. According to a video posted by PTI on social media platform X, the minister said some have raised concerns that vehicles using ethanol-blended fuel may no longer be covered by insurance. However, insurance companies have already clarified that this is not the case.
Puri said there is enough space in the country’s growing consumer market for different vehicle technologies to coexist. He said electric vehicles, biofuel-blended vehicles, hybrid vehicles and CNG vehicles - all have a role to play in the transition towards cleaner mobility.
The current ethanol blending level in India stands at 20 per cent. He said any decision to increase the ethanol blending level would be taken only after meeting all the necessary requirements. The minister said, “If we move from 20 per cent to 25 per cent, it will happen only after all the necessary tests have been completed.”
The clarification comes as E20 ethanol-blended fuel continues to be the subject of debate, with concerns centred on mileage, engine performance, and insurance coverage.
