Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Thursday (Aug 6) dismissed claims of any kind of ethanol blending in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) or diesel. He called the claims "completely false and irresponsible" and urged people not to spread misinformation on aviation safety.&nbsp;The Civil Aviation Minister took to social media to clarify that ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are two entirely different fuels and that there is no proposal to blend ethanol.&nbsp;Taking to X Kinjarapu wrote, "The claim that the Government plans to blend ethanol with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) is completely false and irresponsible. There is no such proposal."&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/seven-states-revenue-deficits-higher-than-reported-cag-finds-bihar-up-7x-chhattisgarh-doubles-1786013533224">Seven states’ revenue deficits higher than reported, CAG finds; Bihar up 7x, Chhattisgarh doubles</a>&nbsp;The minister clarified that Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF is an internationally certified aviation fuel recognised by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and adopted globally and it goes through several layers of testing to meet global safety standards.&nbsp;He also warned against spreading any misinformation regarding blending ethanol with ATF as it may create "needless anxiety".&nbsp;"Spreading misinformation on aviation safety only creates needless anxiety among air travellers. Passenger safety remains the Government's highest priority," he said.&nbsp;The clarification came amid Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal claiming that the aviation fuel is "adulterated" and questioned the safety over using the fuel. He also cited some media reports on the issue.&nbsp;"Read this article. The engine of ur flight just might stop in the air. Will u risk flying in an aircraft running on adulterated aviation fuel? Time to have an educated and competent govt."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The minister clarified that Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF is an internationally certified aviation fuel recognised by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Thursday (Aug 6) dismissed claims of any kind of ethanol blending in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) or diesel. He called the claims "completely false and irresponsible" and urged people not to spread misinformation on aviation safety. The Civil Aviation Minister took to social media to clarify that ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are two entirely different fuels and that there is no proposal to blend ethanol. Taking to X Kinjarapu wrote, "The claim that the Government plans to blend ethanol with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) is completely false and irresponsible. There is no such proposal." ALSO READ: Seven states’ revenue deficits higher than reported, CAG finds; Bihar up 7x, Chhattisgarh doubles The minister clarified that Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF is an internationally certified aviation fuel recognised by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and adopted globally and it goes through several layers of testing to meet global safety standards. He also warned against spreading any misinformation regarding blending ethanol with ATF as it may create "needless anxiety". "Spreading misinformation on aviation safety only creates needless anxiety among air travellers. Passenger safety remains the Government's highest priority," he said. The clarification came amid Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal claiming that the aviation fuel is "adulterated" and questioned the safety over using the fuel. He also cited some media reports on the issue. "Read this article. The engine of ur flight just might stop in the air. Will u risk flying in an aircraft running on adulterated aviation fuel? Time to have an educated and competent govt."

The minister clarified that Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF is an internationally certified aviation fuel recognised by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

'Completely false, irresponsible': Centre dismisses claims of ethanol blending in aviation turbine fuel

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

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said he has approved legal recognition for 100 per cent ethanol fuel, a move aimed at reducing India's dependence on imported fossil fuels and promoting cleaner alternatives.&nbsp;Speaking at a press conference marking 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, Gadkari said he had cleared the proposal to formalise the use of 100 per cent ethanol fuel.&nbsp;"Last night at 8 PM, I signed the file making rules for 100% ethanol and giving it legal process," he said.&nbsp;Highlighting India's large fuel import bill, the minister said ethanol could emerge as an effective substitute for conventional fuels and help reduce expenditure on imports.&nbsp;"The country has an import of 22 lakh crores. Now, the resolution we made to reduce this import... gradually gas will also be produced in the country. An alternative to petrol and diesel will also be ready," Gadkari said.&nbsp;The minister pointed to recent developments in the automobile sector, citing the launch of Maruti Suzuki's WagonR flex fuel model, which can run entirely on ethanol.&nbsp;"I am pleased to share that I had the opportunity to launch the Maruti Suzuki WagonR running on 100% ethanol. Among the motorcycles launched, three out of five are from Hero MotoCorp, and two of Hero's motorcycles have already been launched on 100% ethanol," he said.&nbsp;Gadkari also said more automobile manufacturers are preparing to introduce ethanol-powered vehicles in the coming months.&nbsp;"In the next two months, companies such as Toyota, Suzuki, and Hyundai will also launch vehicles that run entirely on 100% ethanol," he added.&nbsp;Recalling the initial response to his push for ethanol-based fuel, Gadkari said the idea was often met with scepticism and misinformation.&nbsp;"I used to talk about this dream, and people used to laugh. Some friends even used to criticise it. I'll tell you a good story about how efforts are made to defame ethanol," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modi-trump-to-meet-on-sidelines-of-g7-summit-in-france-amid-attack-on-indian-seafarers-in-hormuz-1781368021953">Modi, Trump to meet on sidelines of G7 Summit in France amid attack on Indian seafarers in Hormuz</a>&nbsp;The minister recounted an incident in which a person blamed ethanol for a vehicle breakdown, despite the vehicle running on diesel.&nbsp;"One person called me and said his jeep had broken down. When he took it to the mechanic, the mechanic said the car broke down because of putting ethanol in it. I asked him if his car runs on petrol or diesel. He said diesel. I said, 'We don't even put ethanol in diesel, so how did it break down?' So, many attempts were made to spread misinformation," Gadkari said.&nbsp;The remarks come days after Gadkari and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri attended the launch of Maruti Suzuki's flex fuel vehicle on June 4.

Gadkari said promoting ethanol and other alternative fuels would help reduce India's ₹22 trillion fuel import bill and create alternatives to petrol and diesel.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said he has approved legal recognition for 100 per cent ethanol fuel, a move aimed at reducing India's dependence on imported fossil fuels and promoting cleaner alternatives. Speaking at a press conference marking 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, Gadkari said he had cleared the proposal to formalise the use of 100 per cent ethanol fuel. "Last night at 8 PM, I signed the file making rules for 100% ethanol and giving it legal process," he said. Highlighting India's large fuel import bill, the minister said ethanol could emerge as an effective substitute for conventional fuels and help reduce expenditure on imports. "The country has an import of 22 lakh crores. Now, the resolution we made to reduce this import... gradually gas will also be produced in the country. An alternative to petrol and diesel will also be ready," Gadkari said. The minister pointed to recent developments in the automobile sector, citing the launch of Maruti Suzuki's WagonR flex fuel model, which can run entirely on ethanol. "I am pleased to share that I had the opportunity to launch the Maruti Suzuki WagonR running on 100% ethanol. Among the motorcycles launched, three out of five are from Hero MotoCorp, and two of Hero's motorcycles have already been launched on 100% ethanol," he said. Gadkari also said more automobile manufacturers are preparing to introduce ethanol-powered vehicles in the coming months. "In the next two months, companies such as Toyota, Suzuki, and Hyundai will also launch vehicles that run entirely on 100% ethanol," he added. Recalling the initial response to his push for ethanol-based fuel, Gadkari said the idea was often met with scepticism and misinformation. "I used to talk about this dream, and people used to laugh. Some friends even used to criticise it. I'll tell you a good story about how efforts are made to defame ethanol," he said. Also Read: Modi, Trump to meet on sidelines of G7 Summit in France amid attack on Indian seafarers in Hormuz The minister recounted an incident in which a person blamed ethanol for a vehicle breakdown, despite the vehicle running on diesel. "One person called me and said his jeep had broken down. When he took it to the mechanic, the mechanic said the car broke down because of putting ethanol in it. I asked him if his car runs on petrol or diesel. He said diesel. I said, 'We don't even put ethanol in diesel, so how did it break down?' So, many attempts were made to spread misinformation," Gadkari said. The remarks come days after Gadkari and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri attended the launch of Maruti Suzuki's flex fuel vehicle on June 4.

Gadkari said promoting ethanol and other alternative fuels would help reduce India's ₹22 trillion fuel import bill and create alternatives to petrol and diesel.

'People used to laugh' at the idea: Gadkari approves use of 100% ethanol fuel in India

The Centre has extended central excise duty exemptions to petrol blended with 22 per cent, 25 per cent, 27 per cent and 30 per cent ethanol, marking another major step in India's ethanol blending programme.&nbsp;In notifications issued by the Department of Revenue, the government provided a nil excise duty rate for E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuel blends that meet Bureau of Indian Standards norms. The decision clears the way for the wider use of petrol containing up to 30 per cent ethanol after India achieved its E20 blending target ahead of schedule.&nbsp;Under the new framework, E22 fuel will contain 78 per cent petrol and 22 per cent ethanol, while E25, E27 and E30 blends will contain 25 per cent, 27 per cent and 30 per cent ethanol respectively.&nbsp;So why is India pushing for higher ethanol blending?<h2>Reducing dependence on imported crude oil</h2>India imports over 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements, making it vulnerable to global supply disruptions and price fluctuations. Replacing a portion of petrol consumption with domestically produced ethanol helps reduce dependence on imported energy.&nbsp;Since 2014, ethanol blending has helped substitute 302 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil imports and generated foreign exchange savings of more than Rs 1.84 trillion.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8647-anti-trump-marking-resurfaces-in-washington-us-police-probe-national-mall-graffiti-1781225203925">'8647' anti-Trump marking resurfaces in Washington; US police probe National Mall graffiti</a><h2>Agrarian and Rural Economy</h2>Ethanol is produced from sugarcane molasses, maize and damaged food grains. The programme has created a large domestic market for agricultural produce while providing an additional source of income for farmers.&nbsp;According to government data, more than Rs 1.58 trillion has flowed to farmers through the ethanol supply chain. The programme has also improved cash flow for sugar mills, helping them clear payments to farmers more efficiently.<h2>Supporting India's climate goals</h2>The government views ethanol as an important transition fuel in its broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.&nbsp;Ethanol-blended petrol produces lower emissions of carbon monoxide and particulate matter compared with conventional fuel. The programme has helped mitigate more than 909 lakh metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions so far, while lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions can be up to 61 per cent lower than those from standard petrol.<h2>Preparing for higher blend fuels</h2>With the E20 target already achieved, policymakers are now preparing for the next phase of ethanol adoption through higher blend fuels such as E22, E25, E27 and E30.&nbsp;The government has also introduced E85 fuel, which is priced Rs 20 per litre lower than standard petrol, to encourage the adoption of Flex Fuel Vehicles. Automobile manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp, have already begun rolling out vehicles designed to run on such fuels.

India imports over 85 per cent of its crude oil needs, and ethanol blending has helped cut import dependence by replacing 302 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil while saving over Rs 1.84 trillion in foreign exchange since 2014.

The Centre has extended central excise duty exemptions to petrol blended with 22 per cent, 25 per cent, 27 per cent and 30 per cent ethanol, marking another major step in India's ethanol blending programme. In notifications issued by the Department of Revenue, the government provided a nil excise duty rate for E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuel blends that meet Bureau of Indian Standards norms. The decision clears the way for the wider use of petrol containing up to 30 per cent ethanol after India achieved its E20 blending target ahead of schedule. Under the new framework, E22 fuel will contain 78 per cent petrol and 22 per cent ethanol, while E25, E27 and E30 blends will contain 25 per cent, 27 per cent and 30 per cent ethanol respectively. So why is India pushing for higher ethanol blending? Reducing dependence on imported crude oil India imports over 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements, making it vulnerable to global supply disruptions and price fluctuations. Replacing a portion of petrol consumption with domestically produced ethanol helps reduce dependence on imported energy. Since 2014, ethanol blending has helped substitute 302 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil imports and generated foreign exchange savings of more than Rs 1.84 trillion. Also Read: '8647' anti-Trump marking resurfaces in Washington; US police probe National Mall graffiti Agrarian and Rural Economy Ethanol is produced from sugarcane molasses, maize and damaged food grains. The programme has created a large domestic market for agricultural produce while providing an additional source of income for farmers. According to government data, more than Rs 1.58 trillion has flowed to farmers through the ethanol supply chain. The programme has also improved cash flow for sugar mills, helping them clear payments to farmers more efficiently. Supporting India's climate goals The government views ethanol as an important transition fuel in its broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Ethanol-blended petrol produces lower emissions of carbon monoxide and particulate matter compared with conventional fuel. The programme has helped mitigate more than 909 lakh metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions so far, while lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions can be up to 61 per cent lower than those from standard petrol. Preparing for higher blend fuels With the E20 target already achieved, policymakers are now preparing for the next phase of ethanol adoption through higher blend fuels such as E22, E25, E27 and E30. The government has also introduced E85 fuel, which is priced Rs 20 per litre lower than standard petrol, to encourage the adoption of Flex Fuel Vehicles. Automobile manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp, have already begun rolling out vehicles designed to run on such fuels.

India imports over 85 per cent of its crude oil needs, and ethanol blending has helped cut import dependence by replacing 302 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil while saving over Rs 1.84 trillion in foreign exchange since 2014.

WION Decodes: What's behind India's ethanol push? Centre exempts E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuels from excise duty

India is set to introduce E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and petrol, with draft rules expected soon. Backed by market consensus and testing, E85 will be separate from E20 and require compatible engines, supporting cleaner energy and reducing oil dependence amid global supply concerns.

India is set to introduce E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and petrol, with draft rules expected soon. Backed by market consensus and testing, E85 will be separate from E20 and require compatible engines, supporting cleaner energy and reducing oil dependence amid global supply concerns.

Cars in India to run on alcohol? Govt set to issue draft rule for 85% ethanol-blended petrol: Here's why

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'Completely false, irresponsible': Centre dismisses claims of ethanol blending in aviation turbine fuel

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

'People used to laugh' at the idea: Gadkari approves use of 100% ethanol fuel

What's behind India's ethanol push? Govt exempts higher blends from excise duty

Cars in India to run on alcohol? Govt plans 85% ethanol-blended petrol