The Centre issued a detailed clarification dismissing what it described as misinformation circulating on social media about the country’s E20 ethanol blending programme, rejecting claims related to water consumption, engine damage, insurance validity and environmental impact.
In a 10-point clarification, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said petrol blended with up to 20 per cent ethanol is backed by scientific studies, international experience and regulatory safeguards.
Rejecting claims that producing one litre of ethanol consumes 10,000 litres of water, the ministry said only surplus rice, cleared after meeting national food security requirements, is used for ethanol production.
It added that ethanol distilleries consume about 3-5 litres of processed water per litre of ethanol and increasingly operate Zero Liquid Discharge systems to recycle water.
The ministry also said maize, which now accounts for more than 40 per cent of ethanol supplied under the programme, requires significantly lower irrigation than paddy and is being promoted through higher minimum support prices.
Dismissing claims that E20 is an untested fuel, the ministry said ethanol-blended fuels have been used in several countries, including the United States, Brazil, Canada, Thailand, Japan and European nations, for decades.
Addressing concerns over vehicle performance, the ministry cited trials led by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), covering about 40,000 kilometres in passenger cars and 20,000 kilometres in two-wheelers.
The studies found no significant impact on drivability or fuel efficiency, with only “marginal” changes in mileage. The ministry added that vehicles calibrated for E20 could also benefit from ethanol’s higher octane rating.
On allegations that E20 damages engines or corrodes vehicle components, the ministry cited studies conducted by ARAI in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation, the Indian Institute of Petroleum and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.
According to the ministry, the studies found no issues related to drivability or compatibility of metal and plastic components, although certain rubber parts in older vehicles may require earlier replacement.
The government also rejected claims that using E20 fuel could void vehicle warranties or insurance coverage, saying automobile manufacturers and insurers have clarified that vehicles designed or approved for E20 remain covered under applicable warranty and insurance terms.
Responding to social media posts claiming ants and bees are attracted to E20 because it contains sugar, the ministry said fuel-grade ethanol undergoes distillation that removes residual sugars and contains denaturants that repel insects. It added that petrol’s hydrocarbon odour dominates the blended fuel.
The ministry further denied claims that it had described the E20 programme as an “experiment” before the Supreme Court, saying the proceedings related to contractual provisions governing ethanol procurement and not the merits of the blending programme.
