Context: A joint government-industry study has found that E20 fuel, a 20% ethanol-blended petrol, does not require engine modifications for most cars and two-wheelers, though some older BS-III vehicles may need part replacements over time. The rollout is part of India's ethanol blending programme aimed at reducing crude oil imports and cutting emissions, though critics question why E20 is not priced cheaper than pure petrol.
The government cited the joint study by IOCL, IIP, SIAM and ARAI in Parliament to address concerns about E20 fuel's compatibility with the existing vehicle fleet as India accelerates its ethanol blending target.
Connects to GS3 themes of energy security, biofuel policy, and environmental sustainability, including the National Policy on Biofuels and India's push to advance its ethanol blending timeline.
National Policy on Biofuels, 2018; Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme; energy security and crude oil import dependence; vehicle emission norms; renewable energy transition in the transport sector.
Test your understanding
Q1.E20 fuel refers to petrol blended with what percentage of ethanol?