Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has sought to allay public concerns over the use of E20 ethanol-blended petrol, stating that the reduction in vehicle mileage is "minor" and should not discourage consumers from adopting the cleaner fuel.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Puri dismissed what he described as a "make-believe" narrative circulating on social media, saying misleading claims have created unnecessary apprehension about the impact of E20 fuel on vehicle performance.
Minister Rejects Social Media Claims
Responding to growing online discussions about fuel efficiency, the Petroleum Minister said the concerns surrounding E20 petrol have been exaggerated. According to him, any decline in mileage is marginal and should be viewed in the broader context of India's efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable fuels.
He emphasized that misinformation on social media should not overshadow scientific assessments and policy objectives aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Why India Is Promoting E20 Fuel
E20 fuel contains 20% ethanol blended with petrol, making it a cleaner alternative to conventional fuel. The government's ethanol blending programme is designed to reduce crude oil imports, lower carbon emissions, improve energy security, and create additional income opportunities for farmers through increased demand for ethanol produced from crops such as sugarcane and grains.
India has steadily increased ethanol blending over the past decade as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen domestic energy resources and reduce exposure to global oil price volatility.
Balancing Efficiency with Sustainability
While some vehicle owners have expressed concerns over a possible reduction in fuel efficiency, experts generally note that ethanol contains slightly less energy than pure petrol, which can result in a modest decrease in mileage. However, the government maintains that the environmental and economic benefits of higher ethanol blending outweigh the limited impact on fuel economy.
The Centre continues to encourage the adoption of E20-compatible vehicles while expanding the availability of ethanol-blended petrol across the country.
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