A political debate is raging in India about the rise in sugar prices, which the government is attributing to festive demand and lower sugarcane yields, even as sugar-linked stocks hit 52-week highs on Monday (Aug 24). Opposition parties such as the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have blamed the rise in sugar prices on the use of sugarcane-derived products to produce ethanol for blending in petrol. The E20 petrol programme, under which 20 per cent ethanol is blended with 80 per cent petrol, was a planned policy rollout rather than a direct consequence of fuel import disruptions. However, India's energy security concerns were complicated by the Iran-US war, the Russia-Ukraine war and disruptions to energy transhipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation is increasingly looking unsustainable, with the government stepping in to allow duty-free imports of sugar to address concerns over tight supplies.<h2>Is the diversion of sugar for ethanol blending in petrol the real cause of sugar price hikes?</h2>India does use sugar and sugarcane byproducts for its ethanol blending programme. Sugarcane-based feedstocks for ethanol include direct cane juice, syrup, and B-heavy and C-heavy molasses.But recent reports say that other sources such as maize and surplus rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI), as well as damaged foodgrains, account for the larger share of ethanol production. Around 32 per cent of the ethanol supplied to oil marketing companies for blending with petrol comes from sugarcane-based feedstocks, while the grain-based share is larger, at roughly 68 per cent.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/e10-or-e20-should-consumers-get-a-choice-1786974307957/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/e10-or-e20-should-consumers-get-a-choice-1786974307957/embed</a><h2>Govt pushes back on claims linking ethanol blending with sugar price rise</h2>India's Ministry of Consumer Affairs has repeatedly said it is incorrect to attribute the recent increase in sugar prices to the diversion of sugar for ethanol production. The share of sugar diverted for ethanol fell from 12 per cent in 2022-23 to 9 per cent in 2025-26, per the government. Nearly three-fourths of India's ethanol production now comes from grains, particularly maize.The government insisted that lower-than-expected domestic production of sugar is to blame for the rising prices. Sugar production during the current season is expected to be around 30.6 million tonnes, against an initial estimate of around 34.3 million. Production was affected by Red Rot and Top Borer diseases in sugarcane, as well as waterlogging caused by excessive rainfall. Festive-season demand, tighter global supplies and speculation and hoarding are adding to the pressure.International sugar prices have also risen by more than 16 per cent in recent months, adding to the pressure on domestic prices. The West Indian Sugar Mills Association (WISMA) and other industry representatives have said declining sugarcane output and stockpiling are contributing to the current crisis, rather than ethanol blending alone.'Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e20-petrol-row-puri-says-only-four-contaminated-samples-found-rahul-gandhi-steps-up-attack-1786122960349">E20 petrol row: Puri says only four contaminated samples found, Rahul Gandhi steps up attack</a><h2>Nothing new: Sugar prices have always been politicised</h2>With several politicians directly having stakes in the sugar industry, price fluctuations have always been a political issue. The AAP and Congress have seen an opportunity to accuse the government of diverting sugar towards ethanol for the E20 blending programme, arguing that this has reduced sugar availability and contributed to the spike.It should be noted that, in the past few years, millions of tonnes of sugar have been diverted towards ethanol in the food-versus-fuel trade-off, in which it can be more profitable to use the commodity in the energy industry.This season, around 3 million tonnes of sugar are estimated to have been diverted towards ethanol. But the brighter side for farmers and mills is that higher sugar prices can make sugar production more profitable. The government has also said that diverting surplus sugar towards ethanol has helped improve the financial health of sugar mills and facilitated timely payments to farmers. As of August 20, 97 per cent of sugarcane dues for the 2025-26 season had been paid.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-s-behind-rising-sugar-prices-in-india-government-breaks-silence-says-ethano-not-to-blamel-1787370008114">What's behind rising sugar prices in India? Government breaks silence, says 'ethanol...'</a><h2>The stock price spikes of sugar-linked firms</h2>Sugar stocks rallied sharply on Monday, with several companies hitting their 52-week highs. Shares of Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar, Avadh Sugar &amp; Energy, Dalmia Bharat Sugar and Industries, Dhampur Sugar Mills, Dwarikesh Sugar Industries, Magadh Sugar &amp; Energy, Mawana Sugars, Ponni Sugars, Ugar Sugar Works and Uttam Sugar Mills all hit their respective 52-week highs. Some stocks rose by as much as 12 per cent in intraday trade, reflecting investor optimism over the sector's near-term outlook amid rising sugar prices and tighter domestic supplies.The rally is supply-and-demand driven, particularly after the government tightened stockholding limits. Sugar mills may also shift their preference towards sugar production over ethanol as higher sugar prices improve returns.The government has assured consumers that there are enough sugar stocks to meet domestic demand, yet it has also allowed duty-free imports of 1 million tonnes of raw sugar until October 31. The move highlights concerns over tight supplies ahead of the festive season.The government has also taken measures such as imposing a 400-tonne stock limit on sugar dealers from August 1 to November 30, while bulk consumers will not be allowed to hold sugar stocks exceeding 15 days of consumption from September 1. These measures are aimed at preventing hoarding and artificial shortages.

India's sugar prices are rising amid festive demand and lower production. The political debate is continuing on whether the price rise has to do with  E20 ethanol blending in petrol. The government is pushing back

A political debate is raging in India about the rise in sugar prices, which the government is attributing to festive demand and lower sugarcane yields, even as sugar-linked stocks hit 52-week highs on Monday (Aug 24). Opposition parties such as the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have blamed the rise in sugar prices on the use of sugarcane-derived products to produce ethanol for blending in petrol. The E20 petrol programme, under which 20 per cent ethanol is blended with 80 per cent petrol, was a planned policy rollout rather than a direct consequence of fuel import disruptions. However, India's energy security concerns were complicated by the Iran-US war, the Russia-Ukraine war and disruptions to energy transhipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation is increasingly looking unsustainable, with the government stepping in to allow duty-free imports of sugar to address concerns over tight supplies. Is the diversion of sugar for ethanol blending in petrol the real cause of sugar price hikes? India does use sugar and sugarcane byproducts for its ethanol blending programme. Sugarcane-based feedstocks for ethanol include direct cane juice, syrup, and B-heavy and C-heavy molasses. But recent reports say that other sources such as maize and surplus rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI), as well as damaged foodgrains, account for the larger share of ethanol production. Around 32 per cent of the ethanol supplied to oil marketing companies for blending with petrol comes from sugarcane-based feedstocks, while the grain-based share is larger, at roughly 68 per cent. https://www.wionews.com/videos/e10-or-e20-should-consumers-get-a-choice-1786974307957/embed Govt pushes back on claims linking ethanol blending with sugar price rise India's Ministry of Consumer Affairs has repeatedly said it is incorrect to attribute the recent increase in sugar prices to the diversion of sugar for ethanol production. The share of sugar diverted for ethanol fell from 12 per cent in 2022-23 to 9 per cent in 2025-26, per the government. Nearly three-fourths of India's ethanol production now comes from grains, particularly maize. The government insisted that lower-than-expected domestic production of sugar is to blame for the rising prices. Sugar production during the current season is expected to be around 30.6 million tonnes, against an initial estimate of around 34.3 million. Production was affected by Red Rot and Top Borer diseases in sugarcane, as well as waterlogging caused by excessive rainfall. Festive-season demand, tighter global supplies and speculation and hoarding are adding to the pressure. International sugar prices have also risen by more than 16 per cent in recent months, adding to the pressure on domestic prices. The West Indian Sugar Mills Association (WISMA) and other industry representatives have said declining sugarcane output and stockpiling are contributing to the current crisis, rather than ethanol blending alone.' Also read: E20 petrol row: Puri says only four contaminated samples found, Rahul Gandhi steps up attack Nothing new: Sugar prices have always been politicised With several politicians directly having stakes in the sugar industry, price fluctuations have always been a political issue. The AAP and Congress have seen an opportunity to accuse the government of diverting sugar towards ethanol for the E20 blending programme, arguing that this has reduced sugar availability and contributed to the spike. It should be noted that, in the past few years, millions of tonnes of sugar have been diverted towards ethanol in the food-versus-fuel trade-off, in which it can be more profitable to use the commodity in the energy industry. This season, around 3 million tonnes of sugar are estimated to have been diverted towards ethanol. But the brighter side for farmers and mills is that higher sugar prices can make sugar production more profitable. The government has also said that diverting surplus sugar towards ethanol has helped improve the financial health of sugar mills and facilitated timely payments to farmers. As of August 20, 97 per cent of sugarcane dues for the 2025-26 season had been paid. Also read: What's behind rising sugar prices in India? Government breaks silence, says 'ethanol...' The stock price spikes of sugar-linked firms Sugar stocks rallied sharply on Monday, with several companies hitting their 52-week highs. Shares of Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar, Avadh Sugar & Energy, Dalmia Bharat Sugar and Industries, Dhampur Sugar Mills, Dwarikesh Sugar Industries, Magadh Sugar & Energy, Mawana Sugars, Ponni Sugars, Ugar Sugar Works and Uttam Sugar Mills all hit their respective 52-week highs. Some stocks rose by as much as 12 per cent in intraday trade, reflecting investor optimism over the sector's near-term outlook amid rising sugar prices and tighter domestic supplies. The rally is supply-and-demand driven, particularly after the government tightened stockholding limits. Sugar mills may also shift their preference towards sugar production over ethanol as higher sugar prices improve returns. The government has assured consumers that there are enough sugar stocks to meet domestic demand, yet it has also allowed duty-free imports of 1 million tonnes of raw sugar until October 31. The move highlights concerns over tight supplies ahead of the festive season. The government has also taken measures such as imposing a 400-tonne stock limit on sugar dealers from August 1 to November 30, while bulk consumers will not be allowed to hold sugar stocks exceeding 15 days of consumption from September 1. These measures are aimed at preventing hoarding and artificial shortages.

India's sugar prices are rising amid festive demand and lower production. The political debate is continuing on whether the price rise has to do with &nbsp;E20 ethanol blending in petrol. The government is pushing back

India's sugar-linked stocks soar to 52-week highs even as govt inisists rising prices, shortage not linked to ethanol blending for E20 petrol

As concerns about E20 fuel damaging car engines, affecting mileage and more continue to strengthen, one question many consumers have been asking: Why can't we choose which petrol to fill our car with - &nbsp;normal, E10 and E20?. Now the government has finally answered.Defending its decision to roll out E20 fuel without giving consumers a choice between normal petrol, E10 and E20 at the pump, the Centre said that India’s fuel delivery system is simply not built to handle multiple nationwide petrol streams at once. Notably, at fuel pumps in India, vehicle owners get the choice to choose between multiple variants, including normal and premium petrol like XP95 and Speed fuel. Then, why can't consumers similarly make their own choice between normal petrol, E10 and E20? Here's what the Government of India said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-hardeep-puri-defends-e20-petrol-dismisses-mileage-engine-health-criticism-as-make-believe-narrative-1783050765587">India: Hardeep Puri admits E20 petrol may reduce mileage, but dismisses widespread criticism as ‘make-believe narrative’</a><h2>Why not just sell all three fuels separately?</h2>Responding to the growing debate, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the transition to E20 was planned after consultations with automobile manufacturers, testing agencies and other stakeholders. The decision, it said, was based on technical checks covering vehicle compatibility, engine performance, emissions, and fuel efficiency.According to the ministry, a choice is where the problem begins. It noted that India has more than one lakh retail fuel outlets, backed by a vast chain of refineries, terminals, depots and pipelines. The Ministry insisted that running separate supply lines for normal petrol, E10 and E20 across that network would sharply increase costs, complicate storage and inventory management, and reduce operational efficiency.The ministry also pushed back against comparisons with premium petrol. Those products, it said, are niche fuels sold in limited quantities with special additives. They do not require the kind of separate nationwide supply chain that different petrol blends would.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-s-e20-fuel-policy-under-supreme-court-scanner-1782888129529/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-s-e20-fuel-policy-under-supreme-court-scanner-1782888129529/embed</a><h2>But what about older vehicles?</h2>Concerns have also grown among owners of older cars and two-wheelers that were originally marked as E10-compatible, not E20-compatible.On that point, the ministry said vehicle manufacturers were involved in the consultation process before the higher ethanol blend was introduced. It argued that if the companies had not been satisfied with the results of testing, they would not have supported the rollout or continued to honour warranties."Had automobile manufacturers not been fully satisfied with the results, they would never have stood behind the product or honoured vehicle warranties," the ministry said.It added that "virtually every manufacturer today" is now honouring warranties for vehicles, old and new, because they were part of the consultation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/when-will-petrol-and-diesel-get-cheaper-in-india-modi-government-s-petroleum-minister-hardeep-puri-drops-big-hint-1783041168875">When will petrol and diesel get cheaper in India? Modi government's petroleum minister Hardeep Puri drops BIG HINT</a><h2>What has field experience shown?</h2>The ministry cited data from the ground to support its case. It said Maruti Suzuki serviced 2.84 crore vehicles in FY 2025-26, including 1.5 crore older vehicles not originally certified for E20, without reporting major E20-related problems such as corrosion, abnormal wear or component damage. Hero MotoCorp, it added, has reported similar experience.The ministry acknowledged that some vehicles may see a 3 to 5 per cent drop in fuel economy with E20. But it said mileage is only one part of the picture.According to the ministry, E20 also offers higher octane, better combustion, smoother acceleration, cleaner engine operation and lower lifecycle carbon emissions. Customers, however, continue to protest the forced implementation. On Social media, countless videos by Indians continue to question and slam the move to E20, with many presenting proof of how the ethanol-blended fuel has damaged their expensive vehicles.

Why can't Indian motorists simply choose between normal petrol, E10 and E20 at fuel stations? As criticism of ethanol-blended fuel grows, the Centre has finally explained why consumers aren't being given that choice. Scroll down to find out what the government said.

As concerns about E20 fuel damaging car engines, affecting mileage and more continue to strengthen, one question many consumers have been asking: Why can't we choose which petrol to fill our car with - normal, E10 and E20?. Now the government has finally answered. Defending its decision to roll out E20 fuel without giving consumers a choice between normal petrol, E10 and E20 at the pump, the Centre said that India’s fuel delivery system is simply not built to handle multiple nationwide petrol streams at once. Notably, at fuel pumps in India, vehicle owners get the choice to choose between multiple variants, including normal and premium petrol like XP95 and Speed fuel. Then, why can't consumers similarly make their own choice between normal petrol, E10 and E20? Here's what the Government of India said. Also read | India: Hardeep Puri admits E20 petrol may reduce mileage, but dismisses widespread criticism as ‘make-believe narrative’ Why not just sell all three fuels separately? Responding to the growing debate, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the transition to E20 was planned after consultations with automobile manufacturers, testing agencies and other stakeholders. The decision, it said, was based on technical checks covering vehicle compatibility, engine performance, emissions, and fuel efficiency. According to the ministry, a choice is where the problem begins. It noted that India has more than one lakh retail fuel outlets, backed by a vast chain of refineries, terminals, depots and pipelines. The Ministry insisted that running separate supply lines for normal petrol, E10 and E20 across that network would sharply increase costs, complicate storage and inventory management, and reduce operational efficiency. The ministry also pushed back against comparisons with premium petrol. Those products, it said, are niche fuels sold in limited quantities with special additives. They do not require the kind of separate nationwide supply chain that different petrol blends would. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-s-e20-fuel-policy-under-supreme-court-scanner-1782888129529/embed But what about older vehicles? Concerns have also grown among owners of older cars and two-wheelers that were originally marked as E10-compatible, not E20-compatible. On that point, the ministry said vehicle manufacturers were involved in the consultation process before the higher ethanol blend was introduced. It argued that if the companies had not been satisfied with the results of testing, they would not have supported the rollout or continued to honour warranties. "Had automobile manufacturers not been fully satisfied with the results, they would never have stood behind the product or honoured vehicle warranties," the ministry said. It added that "virtually every manufacturer today" is now honouring warranties for vehicles, old and new, because they were part of the consultation. Also read | When will petrol and diesel get cheaper in India? Modi government's petroleum minister Hardeep Puri drops BIG HINT What has field experience shown? The ministry cited data from the ground to support its case. It said Maruti Suzuki serviced 2.84 crore vehicles in FY 2025-26, including 1.5 crore older vehicles not originally certified for E20, without reporting major E20-related problems such as corrosion, abnormal wear or component damage. Hero MotoCorp, it added, has reported similar experience. The ministry acknowledged that some vehicles may see a 3 to 5 per cent drop in fuel economy with E20. But it said mileage is only one part of the picture. According to the ministry, E20 also offers higher octane, better combustion, smoother acceleration, cleaner engine operation and lower lifecycle carbon emissions. Customers, however, continue to protest the forced implementation. On Social media, countless videos by Indians continue to question and slam the move to E20, with many presenting proof of how the ethanol-blended fuel has damaged their expensive vehicles.

Why can't Indian motorists simply choose between normal petrol, E10 and E20 at fuel stations? As criticism of ethanol-blended fuel grows, the Centre has finally explained why consumers aren't being given that choice. Scroll down to find out what the government said.

Why are Indians being forced to buy E20 petrol? Government finally answers | WION Decodes

The Indian government has made the sale of E20 petrol mandatory across the nation. E20 fuel is a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol. Amid global oil uncertainty, India has been pushed to move towards E20. Using this fuel would enable the government to cut imports, support farmers producing ethanol crops, and reduce vehicle emissions. However, the question arises whether this fuel would impact the vehicles. While the difference is not that noticeable, it behaves differently once going inside the engine. Let’s explore what science says about it.<h2>How does E20 fuel burn differently?</h2>Ethanol is not just “mixed-in petrol.” It behaves differently when it burns. It carries oxygen in its structure, so combustion tends to be more complete. That usually means fewer leftover pollutants and a slightly cleaner burn inside the engine. Ethanol also has a higher octane rating, which helps reduce knocking and keeps the engine running more smoothly under stress.But there’s a limitation that no engine tuning can avoid. Ethanol contains less energy per litre than petrol. So even if the combustion is clean and efficient, each litre of E20 simply doesn’t go as far in terms of energy output. That’s the quiet reason behind most of the changes people notice.<h2>How does E20 fuel affect fuel efficiency and mileage?</h2>The most consistent finding across studies and real-world tests of using E20 fuel is that it reduces the mileage slightly. In modern vehicles designed for ethanol blends, fuel efficiency typically drops by around 3-4 per cent. In everyday life, this does not feel sudden. You don’t wake up one day and see a major change. It shows up quietly over time – maybe a few extra fuel stops in a month, or a slightly higher running cost when you look back at expenses.And nothing is wrong with the engine when this happens. It is not underperforming but simply using a fuel that contains less energy per litre, so it needs a bit more fuel to travel the same distance.<h2>Does E20 fuel affect driving experience?</h2>For most drivers, E20 fuel does not have an effect in driving. Modern engines automatically adjust to ethanol blends, so power delivery stays steady. Acceleration feels normal. City traffic, highway cruising, overtaking – all of it feels the same.In some cases, the engine may even feel a bit smoother at lower speeds. That is because ethanol’s higher octane rating helps reduce knocking and stabilises combustion. But these are subtle differences. Most people won’t consciously notice them while driving.<h2>How suitable is E20 fuel for older vehicles?</h2>Newer vehicles are designed with ethanol compatibility in mind. Their fuel lines, seals, and engine components are built to handle E20, and long-term testing shows they generally do well.However, many older vehicles were never designed for higher ethanol blends. Over time, ethanol can slowly affect certain rubber parts or fuel system materials. It doesn’t cause immediate damage, but it can lead to gradual wear depending on the vehicle’s age and condition. So compatibility matters more here than in newer cars.<h2>Environmental benefits of E20 fuel</h2>Ethanol blend fuel can significantly reduce vehicle emissions. As ethanol contains oxygen, it helps fuel burn more completely. That leads to lower emissions of carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. In simple terms, the exhaust coming out of the tailpipe is cleaner.There is also a bigger environmental angle. Ethanol comes from plant sources, so part of the fuel is renewable rather than fossil-based. That helps reduce dependence on crude oil and lowers overall carbon emissions across the fuel’s lifecycle, depending on how the ethanol is produced.<h2>Overall impact of E20 fuel</h2>E20 is not a dramatic upgrade, and it is not a risky fuel either. It sits in a middle space. While you may lose a small amount of mileage over time, you will not feel major changes in performance if your vehicle is compatible. And most of the time, you won’t notice anything different in daily driving at all.In the end, it is a quiet trade-off – slightly fewer kilometres per litre, in exchange for cleaner combustion and a smaller environmental footprint.

E20 petrol, a 20 per cent ethanol blend, is being rolled out across India to cut oil imports and emissions. Here’s what science says about how it may affect engines.

The Indian government has made the sale of E20 petrol mandatory across the nation. E20 fuel is a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol. Amid global oil uncertainty, India has been pushed to move towards E20. Using this fuel would enable the government to cut imports, support farmers producing ethanol crops, and reduce vehicle emissions. However, the question arises whether this fuel would impact the vehicles. While the difference is not that noticeable, it behaves differently once going inside the engine. Let’s explore what science says about it. How does E20 fuel burn differently? Ethanol is not just “mixed-in petrol.” It behaves differently when it burns. It carries oxygen in its structure, so combustion tends to be more complete. That usually means fewer leftover pollutants and a slightly cleaner burn inside the engine. Ethanol also has a higher octane rating, which helps reduce knocking and keeps the engine running more smoothly under stress. But there’s a limitation that no engine tuning can avoid. Ethanol contains less energy per litre than petrol. So even if the combustion is clean and efficient, each litre of E20 simply doesn’t go as far in terms of energy output. That’s the quiet reason behind most of the changes people notice. How does E20 fuel affect fuel efficiency and mileage? The most consistent finding across studies and real-world tests of using E20 fuel is that it reduces the mileage slightly. In modern vehicles designed for ethanol blends, fuel efficiency typically drops by around 3-4 per cent. In everyday life, this does not feel sudden. You don’t wake up one day and see a major change. It shows up quietly over time – maybe a few extra fuel stops in a month, or a slightly higher running cost when you look back at expenses. And nothing is wrong with the engine when this happens. It is not underperforming but simply using a fuel that contains less energy per litre, so it needs a bit more fuel to travel the same distance. Does E20 fuel affect driving experience? For most drivers, E20 fuel does not have an effect in driving. Modern engines automatically adjust to ethanol blends, so power delivery stays steady. Acceleration feels normal. City traffic, highway cruising, overtaking – all of it feels the same. In some cases, the engine may even feel a bit smoother at lower speeds. That is because ethanol’s higher octane rating helps reduce knocking and stabilises combustion. But these are subtle differences. Most people won’t consciously notice them while driving. How suitable is E20 fuel for older vehicles? Newer vehicles are designed with ethanol compatibility in mind. Their fuel lines, seals, and engine components are built to handle E20, and long-term testing shows they generally do well. However, many older vehicles were never designed for higher ethanol blends. Over time, ethanol can slowly affect certain rubber parts or fuel system materials. It doesn’t cause immediate damage, but it can lead to gradual wear depending on the vehicle’s age and condition. So compatibility matters more here than in newer cars. Environmental benefits of E20 fuel Ethanol blend fuel can significantly reduce vehicle emissions. As ethanol contains oxygen, it helps fuel burn more completely. That leads to lower emissions of carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. In simple terms, the exhaust coming out of the tailpipe is cleaner. There is also a bigger environmental angle. Ethanol comes from plant sources, so part of the fuel is renewable rather than fossil-based. That helps reduce dependence on crude oil and lowers overall carbon emissions across the fuel’s lifecycle, depending on how the ethanol is produced. Overall impact of E20 fuel E20 is not a dramatic upgrade, and it is not a risky fuel either. It sits in a middle space. While you may lose a small amount of mileage over time, you will not feel major changes in performance if your vehicle is compatible. And most of the time, you won’t notice anything different in daily driving at all. In the end, it is a quiet trade-off – slightly fewer kilometres per litre, in exchange for cleaner combustion and a smaller environmental footprint.

E20 petrol, a 20 per cent ethanol blend, is being rolled out across India to cut oil imports and emissions. Here’s what science says about how it may affect engines.

Will E20 fuel affect your car? Here's what science says

A panel of automobile and energy experts on Saturday defended India’s E20 ethanol blending programme and rejected its criticism, while asserting that extensive testing has found no evidence that the fuel poses any concerns for vehicles. The experts said that the E20 fuel, with 20% ethanol content, has undergone extensive scientific testing and is safe even for vehicles manufactured before the E20 mandate.&nbsp;They also backed the government’s stance, saying the ethanol push is tied to lower emissions, defined standards, and reduced oil dependence.&nbsp;They also pointed out that ethanol is used in Formula 1 racing cars and argued that the transition to E20 has come after years of scientific evaluation and regulatory approvals.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/divine-retribution-against-terrorist-us-illegitimate-israel-not-far-off-irgc-navy-chief-1783177923649">Divine retribution against ‘terrorist’ US, ‘illegitimate’ Israel not far off, warns IRGC navy chief</a>&nbsp;The experts made the remarks during a press conference on ethanol amid an ongoing debate over the government’s E20 petrol mandate and claims circulating on social media about its impact on vehicle performance.&nbsp;The panel included Engineers India Limited (EIL) former CMD Vartika Shukla, Bajaj Auto Circle Head Manpreet Singh, TVS Senior Vice President (Corporate Affairs) Prashad Krishnan, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Country Head and Executive Vice President (Corporate Affairs and Governance) Vikram Gulati, Maruti Suzuki Senior Executive Officer Rahul Bharti, Hyundai India representative Puneet Anand and Hero Moto representative Ashutosh Verma.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mourners-chant-death-to-america-and-israel-at-khamenei-funeral-trump-says-gave-them-a-week-off-1783162801938">Mourners chant ‘death’ to America and Israel at Khamenei funeral; Trump says ‘gave them a week off’</a><h2>‘Extensive testing carried out before E20 rollout’</h2>&nbsp;Engineers India Limited (EIL) former CMD Vartika Shukla said ethanol blending did not happen overnight and noted that India achieved its E20 target in December 2025. She said the automobile industry carried out extensive testing before the rollout and added that the programme aims to reduce carbon emissions. She further said that several countries, including the US, Germany, and Canada, already use E20 fuel and that E20 fuel complies with Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) standards.&nbsp;Representatives of major automobile manufacturers said laboratory testing, certification exercises, and real-world vehicle data did not support claims that E20 petrol causes engine damage or excessive wear in vehicles designed for lower ethanol blends.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-avenge-the-blood-of-ali-khamenei-iran-army-ahead-of-state-funeral-of-former-supreme-leader-1783084776018">'We will avenge the blood of Ali Khamenei': Iran army ahead of state funeral of former supreme leader</a><h2>Very good fuel: Toyota’s Vikram Gulati</h2>&nbsp;Toyota’s Vikram Gulati said the automobile industry operates under a strong regulatory framework and that fuel specifications are clearly defined. He said manufacturers engineer vehicles thoroughly before independent testing agencies approve them for consumers.&nbsp;Gulati said ethanol is a “very good” fuel, and some of the earliest cars introduced in the early 1900s ran on ethanol. He added that Formula 1 racing cars also use ethanol-based fuel. He said ethanol helps reduce carbon emissions and described the recent West Asia crisis as a wake-up call as it exposed vulnerabilities in energy supply and crude oil dependence.<h2>‘Didn’t find anything of concern in E20’</h2>&nbsp;Maruti Suzuki Senior Executive Officer Rahul Bharti said India mandated E20 fuel from 2023 and acknowledged that the key concern relates to vehicles manufactured and sold before 2023. “That is the central question, and we haven’t found anything of concern in E20 fuel.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-deputy-pm-ishaq-dar-s-grandson-arrested-for-abduction-gangrape-of-two-women-foreigners-in-lahore-1783092769837">Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar’s grandson arrested for abduction, gangrape of two women foreigners in Lahore</a><h2>Govt junks E20’s excess water consumption concerns</h2>&nbsp;The press conference came after the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a detailed 10-point rebuttal to what it described as misinformation circulating on social media about the country’s E20 ethanol blending programme.The ministry rejected claims that producing one litre of ethanol consumes 10,000 litres of water and said ethanol distilleries consume around 3-5 litres of processed water for every litre of ethanol produced and increasingly operate Zero Liquid Discharge systems to recycle water.

The experts said that the E20 fuel, with 20% ethanol, has undergone extensive scientific testing and is safe even for vehicles manufactured before the E20 mandate. They also backed the government, saying the E20 push is tied to lower emissions, defined standards, and reduced oil dependence.

A panel of automobile and energy experts on Saturday defended India’s E20 ethanol blending programme and rejected its criticism, while asserting that extensive testing has found no evidence that the fuel poses any concerns for vehicles. The experts said that the E20 fuel, with 20% ethanol content, has undergone extensive scientific testing and is safe even for vehicles manufactured before the E20 mandate. They also backed the government’s stance, saying the ethanol push is tied to lower emissions, defined standards, and reduced oil dependence. They also pointed out that ethanol is used in Formula 1 racing cars and argued that the transition to E20 has come after years of scientific evaluation and regulatory approvals. Also Read: Divine retribution against ‘terrorist’ US, ‘illegitimate’ Israel not far off, warns IRGC navy chief The experts made the remarks during a press conference on ethanol amid an ongoing debate over the government’s E20 petrol mandate and claims circulating on social media about its impact on vehicle performance. The panel included Engineers India Limited (EIL) former CMD Vartika Shukla, Bajaj Auto Circle Head Manpreet Singh, TVS Senior Vice President (Corporate Affairs) Prashad Krishnan, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Country Head and Executive Vice President (Corporate Affairs and Governance) Vikram Gulati, Maruti Suzuki Senior Executive Officer Rahul Bharti, Hyundai India representative Puneet Anand and Hero Moto representative Ashutosh Verma. Also Read: Mourners chant ‘death’ to America and Israel at Khamenei funeral; Trump says ‘gave them a week off’ ‘Extensive testing carried out before E20 rollout’ Engineers India Limited (EIL) former CMD Vartika Shukla said ethanol blending did not happen overnight and noted that India achieved its E20 target in December 2025. She said the automobile industry carried out extensive testing before the rollout and added that the programme aims to reduce carbon emissions. She further said that several countries, including the US, Germany, and Canada, already use E20 fuel and that E20 fuel complies with Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) standards. Representatives of major automobile manufacturers said laboratory testing, certification exercises, and real-world vehicle data did not support claims that E20 petrol causes engine damage or excessive wear in vehicles designed for lower ethanol blends. Also Read: 'We will avenge the blood of Ali Khamenei': Iran army ahead of state funeral of former supreme leader Very good fuel: Toyota’s Vikram Gulati Toyota’s Vikram Gulati said the automobile industry operates under a strong regulatory framework and that fuel specifications are clearly defined. He said manufacturers engineer vehicles thoroughly before independent testing agencies approve them for consumers. Gulati said ethanol is a “very good” fuel, and some of the earliest cars introduced in the early 1900s ran on ethanol. He added that Formula 1 racing cars also use ethanol-based fuel. He said ethanol helps reduce carbon emissions and described the recent West Asia crisis as a wake-up call as it exposed vulnerabilities in energy supply and crude oil dependence. ‘Didn’t find anything of concern in E20’ Maruti Suzuki Senior Executive Officer Rahul Bharti said India mandated E20 fuel from 2023 and acknowledged that the key concern relates to vehicles manufactured and sold before 2023. “That is the central question, and we haven’t found anything of concern in E20 fuel.” Also Read: Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar’s grandson arrested for abduction, gangrape of two women foreigners in Lahore Govt junks E20’s excess water consumption concerns The press conference came after the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a detailed 10-point rebuttal to what it described as misinformation circulating on social media about the country’s E20 ethanol blending programme. The ministry rejected claims that producing one litre of ethanol consumes 10,000 litres of water and said ethanol distilleries consume around 3-5 litres of processed water for every litre of ethanol produced and increasingly operate Zero Liquid Discharge systems to recycle water.

The experts said that the E20 fuel, with 20% ethanol, has undergone extensive scientific testing and is safe even for vehicles manufactured before the E20 mandate. They also backed the government, saying the E20 push is tied to lower emissions, defined standards, and reduced oil dependence.

Auto experts reject concerns over E20, say even F1 cars run on it; back govt

Is the Government of India's Ethanol Blended Petrol (E20) just an "experiment" on 3.6 crore Indians? Amid widespread criticism over the ethanol-blended fuel rollout, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday (Jul 3) dismissed rising concerns over mileage, engine performance and reliability as a “make-believe narrative.”This comes as, slamming the Centre's E20 petrol, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday (Jul 1) alleged that the Union government had made "3.6 crore Indians part of an experiment" by rolling out ethanol-blended fuel without adequate evidence, public consultation or consensus.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A few days back, Shri Nitin Gadkari openly challenged saying, “*Show me one vehicle anywhere in the world which had problems because of E20 petrol.*” Today, the Central Government told the Supreme Court that “*Ethanol mixing is an experiment—results will come by next year.*”… <a href="https://t.co/sNX86KZJ2x">pic.twitter.com/sNX86KZJ2x</a>&mdash; Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) <a href="https://x.com/PriyankKharge/status/2072145297254543528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/when-will-petrol-and-diesel-get-cheaper-in-india-modi-government-s-petroleum-minister-hardeep-puri-drops-big-hint-1783041168875">When will petrol and diesel get cheaper in India? Modi government's petroleum minister Hardeep Puri drops BIG HINT</a><h2>Puri acknowledges loss of mileage but insists E20 a good thing</h2>Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Puri acknowledged that fuel efficiency may decline slightly with 20 per cent ethanol-blended fuel, but argued that ethanol improves acceleration and reduces engine knocking. He also sought to reassure motorists that insurance coverage would not be affected by the use of E20 fuel.Puri dismissed much of the criticism around mileage and engine performance as misinformation, labelling it a "make-believe narrative"."There is a complete make-believe narrative being unleashed on social media by people who should know better," he said.Acknowledging that fuel efficiency may decline slightly, he argued that ethanol blends also offer performance advantages. "Mileage, yes, it may drop a little," Puri said. "But it is now well established that when you have ethanol, they use it in racing cars also. The acceleration increases, knocking improves."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/small-relief-for-indians-commercial-lpg-rate-slashed-by-183-but-prices-remain-over-70-above-january-levels-1782268425675">Small relief for Indians: Commercial LPG rate slashed by ₹183, but prices remain over 70% above January levels</a><h2>What about insurance and vehicle safety?</h2>One concern frequently raised by motorists is whether using E20 fuel could affect insurance coverage. Puri sought to put those fears to rest. "Insurance companies have given clarification that there is no issue," he said.The minister also stressed that India's ethanol-blending programme has not been implemented in haste. According to him, the 20 per cent blending target was reached only after extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, including the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)."We have reached this stage after consulting all the stakeholders... SIAM... ARAI," he said.Could India move beyond E20?The government is already looking further ahead. Puri indicated that any future move towards higher blending levels, such as E25 fuel, would only happen after extensive scientific testing and industry consultations."If we move from 20 to 25 at some stage, it will be after all the tests have been done," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Is E20 petrol really an experiment on 3.6 crore Indians? As criticism over ethanol-blended fuel grows, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri admitted that mileage may fall but still dismissed concerns as a 'make-believe narrative'. Here's what he said.

Is the Government of India's Ethanol Blended Petrol (E20) just an "experiment" on 3.6 crore Indians? Amid widespread criticism over the ethanol-blended fuel rollout, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday (Jul 3) dismissed rising concerns over mileage, engine performance and reliability as a “make-believe narrative.” This comes as, slamming the Centre's E20 petrol, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday (Jul 1) alleged that the Union government had made "3.6 crore Indians part of an experiment" by rolling out ethanol-blended fuel without adequate evidence, public consultation or consensus.

Is E20 petrol really an experiment on 3.6 crore Indians? As criticism over ethanol-blended fuel grows, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri admitted that mileage may fall but still dismissed concerns as a 'make-believe narrative'. Here's what he said.

India: Hardeep Puri admits E20 petrol may reduce mileage, but dismisses widespread criticism as ‘make-believe narrative’

The union government told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that the country’s 20% ethanol blending programme in petrol is still an ongoing experiment the impact of which would become clear by the next year. The government’s statement in the top court comes amid concerns over the increased ethanol blending reducing fuel efficiency or damaging older vehicles.&nbsp;The government has tried to placate such fears by pointing out that there is no hard evidence to link E20 petrol to mechanical damage and that the policy would be beneficial for India’s energy security, farmers and the environment at large. Last week, the Union Oil Ministry had said that ethanol blending is a globally accepted practice and is successfully implemented in several countries, including the US, Brazil, and Japan.&nbsp;The Supreme Court was hearing a plea filed by state-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) challenging a Karnataka High Court order concerning ethanol allocation for the 2025-26 supply year.In its June 23 order, the High Court had directed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) — BPCL, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation — to consider a request by a distillery seeking increase in its ethanol allocation before the tender process is finalised.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-biz-honchos-accompanying-japan-s-pm-to-delhi-eager-to-ride-on-india-s-growth-story-1782768835501">50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story</a>&nbsp;BPCL told the court that the order could have wider implications for the government’s target of achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol.&nbsp;<h2>‘Ethanol allocation process already completed in October 2025’</h2>&nbsp;Appearing for the Centre, Attorney General R Venkataramani said the ethanol allocation process had already been completed in October 2025, with supply contracts finalised, and warned that reopening individual allocations could disrupt the nationwide programme.“The ethanol supply contracts had already been finalised in October 2025. Such petitions are pending before several high courts. This will impact the national policy,” he said.“The government is trying to experiment with 20% ethanol blending. We will have results of that by next year,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yasin-malik-faces-trial-in-sarla-bhat-rape-murder-case-35-years-after-brutal-crime-instilled-fear-in-kashmiri-pandits-triggered-exodus-1782752930044">Yasin Malik faces trial in Sarla Bhat rape-murder case 35 years after brutal crime instilled fear in Kashmiri Pandits</a>&nbsp;Venkataramani argued that granting changes to one supplier’s allocation could prompt similar claims from others, leading to multiple litigations and affecting the supply chain.He said BPCL, which is coordinating the ethanol-blended petrol programme, had received cumulative supply offers of around 1,759 crore litres following the tender process.&nbsp;Venkataramani sought permission to file a transfer petition, arguing that the issue needed to be decided before October, when ethanol supply contracts would come up for renewal.“If I go before the division bench and then again to other high courts, it will be delayed,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Ethanol blending a globally accepted practice’</h2>&nbsp;India achieved its target of blending 20% ethanol in petrol in 2025, five years ahead of schedule. Oil marketing companies started supplying ethanol-blended petrol across the country since April 1. The government has now set a target of increasing ethanol blending in petrol to 30% by 2030.&nbsp;Tuesday’s hearing came days after the Union Oil Ministry said the ethanol blending programme was “safe, consumer-friendly and economically beneficial”, rejecting concerns that the use of E20 fuel could impact vehicle insurance coverage.&nbsp;In a statement on June 24, the Ministry said claims suggesting that E20 fuel could invalidate insurance policies had been examined with stakeholders and were found to be incorrect.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-urgent-hearing-of-ram-temple-petitions-saying-heavens-are-not-going-to-fall-1782739148242">Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing of Ram Temple petitions, saying, 'Heavens are not going to fall’</a>&nbsp;“Ethanol blending is a globally accepted practice and is successfully implemented in several countries, including the US, Brazil, and Japan,” the ministry said.&nbsp;The ethanol blending programme helped India save more than Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing crude oil imports, it added.&nbsp;“Ethanol blending plays an important role in enhancing India’s energy security, reducing carbon emissions and advancing India’s transition towards cleaner mobility,” the ministry said and reiterated that the programme would continue to be implemented in a “safe, transparent and consumer-centric manner” based on scientific evidence and consultations with stakeholders.&nbsp;

India achieved its target of blending 20% ethanol in petrol in 2025. Oil marketing companies started supplying ethanol-blended petrol across the country since April 1. The government has now set a target of increasing ethanol blending in petrol to 30% by 2030.

The union government told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that the country’s 20% ethanol blending programme in petrol is still an ongoing experiment the impact of which would become clear by the next year. The government’s statement in the top court comes amid concerns over the increased ethanol blending reducing fuel efficiency or damaging older vehicles. The government has tried to placate such fears by pointing out that there is no hard evidence to link E20 petrol to mechanical damage and that the policy would be beneficial for India’s energy security, farmers and the environment at large. Last week, the Union Oil Ministry had said that ethanol blending is a globally accepted practice and is successfully implemented in several countries, including the US, Brazil, and Japan. The Supreme Court was hearing a plea filed by state-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) challenging a Karnataka High Court order concerning ethanol allocation for the 2025-26 supply year. In its June 23 order, the High Court had directed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) — BPCL, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation — to consider a request by a distillery seeking increase in its ethanol allocation before the tender process is finalised. Also Read: 50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story BPCL told the court that the order could have wider implications for the government’s target of achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol. ‘Ethanol allocation process already completed in October 2025’ Appearing for the Centre, Attorney General R Venkataramani said the ethanol allocation process had already been completed in October 2025, with supply contracts finalised, and warned that reopening individual allocations could disrupt the nationwide programme. “The ethanol supply contracts had already been finalised in October 2025. Such petitions are pending before several high courts. This will impact the national policy,” he said. “The government is trying to experiment with 20% ethanol blending. We will have results of that by next year,” he added. Also Read: Yasin Malik faces trial in Sarla Bhat rape-murder case 35 years after brutal crime instilled fear in Kashmiri Pandits Venkataramani argued that granting changes to one supplier’s allocation could prompt similar claims from others, leading to multiple litigations and affecting the supply chain. He said BPCL, which is coordinating the ethanol-blended petrol programme, had received cumulative supply offers of around 1,759 crore litres following the tender process. Venkataramani sought permission to file a transfer petition, arguing that the issue needed to be decided before October, when ethanol supply contracts would come up for renewal. “If I go before the division bench and then again to other high courts, it will be delayed,” he said. ‘Ethanol blending a globally accepted practice’ India achieved its target of blending 20% ethanol in petrol in 2025, five years ahead of schedule. Oil marketing companies started supplying ethanol-blended petrol across the country since April 1. The government has now set a target of increasing ethanol blending in petrol to 30% by 2030. Tuesday’s hearing came days after the Union Oil Ministry said the ethanol blending programme was “safe, consumer-friendly and economically beneficial”, rejecting concerns that the use of E20 fuel could impact vehicle insurance coverage. In a statement on June 24, the Ministry said claims suggesting that E20 fuel could invalidate insurance policies had been examined with stakeholders and were found to be incorrect. Also Read: Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing of Ram Temple petitions, saying, 'Heavens are not going to fall’ “Ethanol blending is a globally accepted practice and is successfully implemented in several countries, including the US, Brazil, and Japan,” the ministry said. The ethanol blending programme helped India save more than Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing crude oil imports, it added. “Ethanol blending plays an important role in enhancing India’s energy security, reducing carbon emissions and advancing India’s transition towards cleaner mobility,” the ministry said and reiterated that the programme would continue to be implemented in a “safe, transparent and consumer-centric manner” based on scientific evidence and consultations with stakeholders.

India achieved its target of blending 20% ethanol in petrol in 2025. Oil marketing companies started supplying ethanol-blended petrol across the country since April 1. The government has now set a target of increasing ethanol blending in petrol to 30% by 2030.

Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, impact to be known by next year: Govt tells SC

e20-petrol

E20 Petrol, News on E20 Petrol, stories on E20 Petrol, articles on E20 Petrol, E20 Petrol stories at Wion, E20 Petrol news, E20 Petrol latest news

e20 petrol

India's sugar-linked stocks soar to 52-week highs even as govt inisists rising prices, shortage not linked to ethanol blending for E20 petrol

Why are Indians being forced to buy E20 petrol? Government finally answers

Will E20 fuel affect your car? Here's what science says

Auto experts reject concerns over E20, say even F1 cars run on it; back govt

Are 3.6 crore Indians part of an E20 fuel experiment? Hardeep Puri says...

Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, results by next year: Govt tells SC