Archive · 7 Aug 2026
E20 petrol rollout backed by scientific studies, says Centre
India's government uses a kind of fuel called E20 petrol, which is petrol mixed with 20 percent ethanol made from plants.
Some people wondered if this fuel could hurt car engines.
The government told Parliament that many scientists and car companies tested this fuel very carefully.
They checked whether engines last a long time, whether cars start well in cold weather, and whether the fuel could damage car parts.
The tests were done by expert groups like ARAI, SIAM and Indian Oil.
A special committee was set up in 2020 to study the fuel before it was introduced.
The committee looked at whether cars could use the fuel and how much distance cars could travel.
The experts said the fuel is safe to use if the rules are followed.
They also said older cars would not be badly affected.
So the government says it is okay to use E20 petrol.
The Centre informed Parliament that laboratory studies and field trials have confirmed E20 petrol is safe for use under prescribed standards.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries said evaluations covered engine durability, drivability, cold-start performance, corrosion resistance, material compatibility, fuel system reliability, emissions and fuel efficiency.
The studies were carried out by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and automobile manufacturers.
An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) constituted under NITI Aayog on December 26, 2020 examined vehicle compatibility and mileage/efficiency aspects of ethanol blending.
The ministry said the studies found no significant adverse impact on vehicle performance, durability or material compatibility in legacy vehicles when operated under the prescribed standards and conditions.
- Who
- The Centre (Ministry of Heavy Industries) responding to Parliament, with scientific work by ARAI, SIAM, IOCL and automobile manufacturers.
- What
- Declaration that E20 petrol is safe for use under prescribed standards, backed by scientific studies and an Inter-Ministerial Committee review.
- When
- Announced on a Friday in a written reply to Parliament; the Inter-Ministerial Committee was constituted on December 26, 2020.
- Where
- New Delhi, India (Parliament).
- Why
- To confirm the safety and validation of E20 fuel before its rollout, covering vehicle compatibility, efficiency and emissions.
- Fuel
- E20 petrol (petrol with 20% ethanol blending)
- Announced by
- Ministry of Heavy Industries in a written reply to Parliament
- Key finding
- E20 fuel is safe for use under prescribed standards; no significant adverse impact on legacy vehicles
- Evaluation parameters
- Engine durability, drivability, cold-start performance, corrosion resistance, material compatibility, fuel system reliability, emissions and fuel efficiency
- Testing bodies
- ARAI, SIAM, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and automobile manufacturers
- Committee
- Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) constituted under NITI Aayog on December 26, 2020
- Participants
- Automobile manufacturers, component suppliers, testing agencies and oil marketing companies