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Business Standard
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
E5, E10, E20: What do these ethanol labels actually mean?
Reports of potential downsides from the rollout of 20 per cent ethanol-blended fuel (E20), are sweeping through India's consumer base, stirring doubts about its readiness for the road and impact and auto engines. From fears of engine damage to worries about fuel efficiency, the transition to E20 has triggered widespread debate over whether the benefits outweigh the costs. Here's a breakdown of what the E5, E10, and E20 labels mean and how they affect your vehicles. What's the latest According to a release by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas on March 20, India achieved the 20 per cent ethanol blending target (E20) around five years ahead of schedule, initially set for 2030. Similar to E20, the target of 10 per cent ethanol blending in petrol was achieved in June 2022, five months ahead of the target during Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2021-22. Since June, ethanol blending gradually increased to 12.06 per cent in ESY 2022-23, 14.60 per cent in ESY 2023-24 and 17.98 per cent in ESY 2024-25 by February 28. So far, no decision has been taken by the government to increase ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent. In January, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that E20 fuel was available at more than 9,300 stations in India. The government was on track to cover the entire country by 2025, he said. To boost the adoption of E20 fuel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched it in 84 retail outlets of oil marketing companies across 11 states and union territories in 2023. What the labels mean The labels – E5, E10, and E20 – represent blends of ethanol with petrol or gasoline. The numerals indicate the percentage of ethanol blended in the fuel. E5 = 5% ethanol + 95% petrol E10 = 10% ethanol + 90% petrol E20 = 20% ethanol + 80% petrol Why is ethanol added to petrol? Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel, usually made from sugarcane, corn, or grains. Mixing ethanol with petrol can help reduce oil imports, cut CO2 emissions, and support farmers through increased demand for crops like sugarcane. It reportedly helps reduce waste, as ethanol is not just made from sugarcane, but also from surplus rice, maize, damaged food grains, and agricultural residues. A Niti Aayog study on life cycle emissions of ethanol assessed that Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the case of sugarcane and maize-based ethanol are 50-65 per cent lower than petrol. E20 blending helped India reduce emissions by 700 lakh tonnes. On Monday, the Petroleum Ministry listed the benefits of E20 fuel while also addressing the concerns regarding its adoption in a lengthy post on X. 'The E20 blending significantly strengthens India's energy security by reducing dependence on crude oil imports. Since FY15, India has saved over ₹1.40 trillion in foreign exchange through petrol substitution,' the ministry said. The ministry added that ethanol blending is also supporting the rural economy. Payments of over ₹1.20 trillion were made to farmers, thereby creating income and employment opportunities in the agricultural and biofuel sectors. Is it safe for your vehicle? Several reports claiming that the use of E20 fuel reduces the vehicle's mileage were being circulated in the media. According to a survey by LocalCircles released on Tuesday, two in three vehicle owners with a vehicle that was purchased in 2022 or earlier opposed the government's E20 petrol mandate. They said that their vehicle's fuel mileage had reduced in 2025. However, the petroleum ministry called these reports 'largely unfounded and not supported by scientific evidence or expert analysis.' Explaining that ethanol is lower in energy density than petrol, the ministry said that there is only a marginal decrease in mileage. The decline is estimated at 1–2 per cent for four-wheelers designed for E10 and calibrated for E20, and around 3–6 per cent in vehicles, the ministry added. It further mentioned that this marginal drop can be further minimised through improved engine tuning and the use of E20-compatible materials. Most of the leading automobile manufacturers have already adopted E20-compatible materials. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers has confirmed that E20-compliant vehicles began rolling out from April 2023. Ride quality and vehicle performance According to the Ministry of Petroleum, ethanol has a higher octane number (108.5 approx) than petrol (84.4 approx). High-octane fuels (95 RON approx) are better suited for modern, high-compression engines, which results in a smoother and more powerful drive. Vehicles tuned for E20 fuel can deliver even better performance, thanks to the increased octane content. Ethanol also has a higher heat of vaporisation, which cools the engine's intake system. This improves the air-fuel mix, making the engine more efficient. What BIS requires? Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body of India, has set formal mandates for ethanol-blended petrol. While IS 15464 (2022) covers the requirements for anhydrous ethanol, the pure ethanol used in blends, IS 17021(2018) specifies the quality and testing criteria for E20 fuel used in spark-ignition engines. Under the mandate, oil marketing companies need to ensure that the ethanol is homogeneously blended at 19–20 per cent volume. Regular ethanol-content checks via the BIS-mandated water-extraction method need to be done. What you'll see at the fuel pumps E20 dispensers have display labels like 'E20' along with RON (octane) value, and BIS certification mark. Oil marketing companies declare ethanol content compliance and blending quality visibly on pump signage. If ethanol falls outside acceptable limits (per company lab tests), sales must be stopped until corrected. What should consumers look for?
Hindustan Times
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Narrative not based on real facts, says govt on Ethanol blending disadvantages reports
The Indian government on Monday said that 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol does not have any negative impact on older vehicles. The government has assured that E20 petrol, which comprises 20 per cent ethanol blending, poses no significant damage to older vehicles. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), in a social media post, has dismissed concerns regarding the E20 petrol's negative impact on older vehicles as unfounded. India has transitioned to the use of E20 petrol, which comes with 20 per cent ethanol in 2025, five years ahead of the original deadline of 2030. The ministry has stated that studies indicate no major performance or wear-and-tear in older vehicles with the 20 per cent ethanol blended petrol use. However, it said that a significant mileage decrease may occur, which can be minimised with engine tuning. The ministry also claimed that the transition to E20 is a phased, well-communicated approach, benefiting the environment and economy. 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E20 petrol: Key concerns While the E20 is a relatively new fuel technology in the Indian market, a large number of vehicles that were launched before this transition come powered by powertrains that are not E20-compliant. There are concerns that using E20 petrol in such vehicles may damage those vehicles' engines. However, with the latest statement, the Indian government has tried to alleviate the fear of the motorists. Fuel efficiency: One of the key concerns is that E20 results in a significant drop in fuel efficiency of older vehicles. MoPNG has stated that ethanol is a lower energy density fuel than petrol, which results in a marginal decrease in fuel efficiency, estimated at one or two per cent for four-wheelers designed for E10 and calibrated for E20, and around three to six per cent in others. However, it doesn't lead to a drastic drop in fuel efficiency. The ministry claims that this marginal drop in fuel efficiency can be further minimised through improved engine tuning and the use of E20-compatible materials. Material corrosion: Many believe that E20 results in material corrosion for the older engines. However, MoPNG claims that safety standards for E20, including corrosion inhibitors and compatible fuel system materials, are well established through BIS specifications and automotive industry standards. It also stated that replacement of some rubber parts or gaskets could be advised in certain older vehicles after prolonged use of around 20,000 to 30,000 kilometres. These replacements are inexpensive and easily done during regular servicing of the vehicle, claimed MoPNG. 📑Some articles/ reports in the media have raised concerns about the potential negative impact of 20% ethanol blending (E20) in petrol, particularly with regard to older vehicles and customer experience. These concerns, however, are largely unfounded and not supported by… — Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas #MoPNG (@PetroleumMin) August 4, 2025 Using E20 in older vehicles: What MoPNG says? The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) has said in its social media post that international studies on the effect of using ethanol-blended petrol on the mechanical, energy and environmental performance of vehicles through testing of carburated and fuel-injected vehicles every 10,000 kilometres during their first 100,000 kilomteres showed statistically no significant differences in power and torque generated and fuel consumption. 'Material compatibility and drivability tests by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and Indian Oil Corporation (R&D) have confirmed that legacy vehicles also showed no significant variations, performance issues or abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20. Moreover, E20 fuel passed hot and cold startability tests without any engine damage," the post added. The MoPNG also stated that E20 blending significantly strengthens India's energy security by reducing dependence on crude oil imports. It claimed that since 2014-15, India has already saved more than ₹1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange through petrol substitution. 'E20 blending has helped India reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 700 lakh tonnes, contributing to climate change goals," it further claimed. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Own an older car or bike? Don't worry about ethanol-blended E20 petrol, assures govt
The Indian government has snubbed the reports claiming that ethanol-blended E20 petrol causes significant harm to older vehicles. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), in a social media post on Monday, has dismissed concerns regarding the E20 petrol's negative impact on older vehicles as unfounded. The ministry has assured that E20 petrol poses no significant damage to the older vehicles. Personalised Offers on Yamaha MT 15 Version 2.0 Check Offers The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) has snubbed concerns around the use of E20 fuel in older vehicles.(Pixabay/Representative Image) MoPNG has claimed that studies revealed no major performance or wear-and-tear in older vehicles have been reported with the E20 petrol use. However, the ministry said that a significant fuel economy decrease may occur, but that can be minimised with engine tuning. E20 petrol: Concerns around fuel economy and material corrosion With the refuelling stations dispensing E20 fuel across India, there have been concerns among motorists that the ethanol-blended fuel can cause significant harm to the older vehicles. Also, there have been concerns that E20 significantly impacts the fuel economy. MoPNG stated that ethanol, being a lower-energy-density fuel than petrol, can cause a marginal decrease in fuel economy. However, that is not more than one or two per cent for four-wheelers designed for E10 and calibrated for E20. The ministry also stated that E20 doesn't lead to a drastic drop in fuel efficiency in older vehicles. It also claimed that this marginal drop in fuel efficiency can be minimised through improved engine tuning and the use of E20-compatible materials. Material corrosion is another concern among motorists. Many believe that E20 results in material corrosion for the older engines. MoPNG claimed that safety standards for E20, including corrosion inhibitors and compatible fuel system materials, are well established through BIS specifications and automotive industry standards. E20 is not significantly harmful for older vehicles The MoPNG has said that international studies on the effect of using ethanol-blended petrol on the mechanical, energy and environmental performance of vehicles through testing of carburated and fuel-injected vehicles every 10,000 kilometres during their first 100,000 kilometres revealed no significant statistical differences in power and torque generated and fuel consumption. 'Material compatibility and drivability tests by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and Indian Oil Corporation (R&D) have confirmed that legacy vehicles also showed no significant variations, performance issues or abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20. Moreover, E20 fuel passed hot and cold startability tests without any engine damage,' the ministry said.
Economic Times
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Govt says 20% ethanol blended petrol doesn't have any negative impact on older vehicles
Synopsis The government assures that E20 petrol poses no significant harm to older vehicles, dismissing concerns as unfounded. Studies indicate no major performance issues or wear-and-tear with E20 use in legacy vehicles. While a slight mileage decrease may occur, it can be minimized with engine tuning. The transition to E20 is a phased, well-communicated approach, benefiting the environment and economy. Reuters Representative Image The government Monday said 20% ethanol blended petrol does not have any negative impact on older vehicles. Refuting media reports on the potential negative impact of e20 blended petrol on legacy vehicles, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in a post on micro-blogging site 'X' said, 'These concerns, however, are largely unfounded and not supported by scientific evidence or expert analysis.' The government had mandated all vehicles manufactured in India to be E20 material compliant April 2023 onwards, and to be fully E20 compliant from April 2025. In it's post, the ministry elaborated international studies on the effect of using ethanol-petrol blends on mechanical, energy and environmental performance of vehicles through testing of both carbureted and fuel-injected vehicles every 10,000 km during their first 100,000 km showed statistically no significant differences in power and torque generated and fuel consumption. Material compatibility and drivability tests by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and Indian Oil Corporation (R&D) have confirmed that legacy vehicles also showed no significant variations, performance issues or abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20. 'Moreover, E20 fuel passed hot and cold startability tests without any engine damage', the ministry added in the ministry admitted ethanol, being lower in energy density than petrol, results in a marginal decrease in mileage - 1–2% for four-wheelers designed for #E10 and calibrated for #E20, and around 3–6% in others. However, it said, 'This marginal drop in efficiency can be further minimized through improved engine tuning and use of E20-compatible materials, which leading automobile manufacturers have already adopted.' In fact, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has confirmed that E20-compliant vehicles with upgraded components began rolling out from April 2023. Thus, the allegation that E20 leads to drastic drop in fuel efficiency is factually incorrect, the ministry said. As regards claims of material corrosion, the Petroleum Ministry said standards for E20, including corrosion inhibitors and compatible fuel system materials, are well established through BIS specifications and Automotive Industry Standards. Replacement of some rubber parts/ gaskets could be advised in certain older vehicles after prolonged use of say 20,000 to 30,000 kms. This replacement is inexpensive and easily done during regular servicing of the vehicle, the ministry said. Blending ethanol in petrol, a fossil fuel aslo helps in reducing CO2 emissions, the ministry said. 'Ethanol is increasingly being produced from not only sugarcane but also from surplus rice, maize, damaged foodgrains, and agricultural residues, especially under the push for second-generation (2G) biofuels. This makes ethanol blending not only technically viable, but environmentally sustainable as well', the ministry said. It cited a study on life cycle emissions of ethanol done by Niti Aayog which found that GHG emissions in case of sugarcane and maize based ethanol use is less by 65% and 50%, respectively, than that of the Petroleum Ministry said entail helps improve ride quality and vehicle performance: Ethanol has a higher octane number than Petrol (~108.5 vs. 84.4) which implies that ethanol-petrol blends have a higher octane number than traditional petrol. Therefore, the use of ethanol becomes a partial alternative for providing high-octane fuels (~95), required for modern high compression ratio engines providing a better ride quality, the ministry explained. E20 blending, the ministry said, also 'significantly strengthens India's energy security by reducing dependence on crude oil imports'. Since, 2014-15 India has already saved more than Rs. 1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange through petrol substitution. Ethanol blending supports the rural economy, with expeditious payment of over Rs. 1.20 lakh crore to farmers, thereby creating income and employment opportunities in the agricultural and biofuel sectors. #E20 blending has helped India reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 700 lakh tonnes, contributing to climate change the ministry added, claims that this transition to E20 is abrupt or poorly communicated does not align with the detailed rollout plans outlined in the Government of India's Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020–25, available on the websites of #MoPNG and @NitiAayog since 2021. The implementation of E20 in India has followed a phased and widely consulted approach, involving coordination between ministries, vehicle manufacturers, fuel retailers, standards agencies etc. 'Thus, the narrative that #EthanolBlending in Petrol is harming vehicles or causing undue hardship to consumers is not based on real facts and lacks technical foundation', it held.
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Govt says 20% ethanol blended petrol doesn't have any negative impact on older vehicles
The government assures that E20 petrol poses no significant harm to older vehicles, dismissing concerns as unfounded. Studies indicate no major performance issues or wear-and-tear with E20 use in legacy vehicles. While a slight mileage decrease may occur, it can be minimized with engine tuning. The transition to E20 is a phased, well-communicated approach, benefiting the environment and economy. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The government Monday said 20% ethanol blended petrol does not have any negative impact on older vehicles Refuting media reports on the potential negative impact of e20 blended petrol on legacy vehicles, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in a post on micro-blogging site 'X' said, 'These concerns, however, are largely unfounded and not supported by scientific evidence or expert analysis.' The government had mandated all vehicles manufactured in India to be E20 material compliant April 2023 onwards, and to be fully E20 compliant from April it's post, the ministry elaborated international studies on the effect of using ethanol-petrol blends on mechanical, energy and environmental performance of vehicles through testing of both carbureted and fuel-injected vehicles every 10,000 km during their first 100,000 km showed statistically no significant differences in power and torque generated and fuel compatibility and drivability tests by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and Indian Oil Corporation (R&D) have confirmed that legacy vehicles also showed no significant variations, performance issues or abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20. 'Moreover, E20 fuel passed hot and cold startability tests without any engine damage', the ministry added in the ministry admitted ethanol, being lower in energy density than petrol, results in a marginal decrease in mileage - 1–2% for four-wheelers designed for #E10 and calibrated for #E20, and around 3–6% in others. However, it said, 'This marginal drop in efficiency can be further minimized through improved engine tuning and use of E20-compatible materials, which leading automobile manufacturers have already adopted.' In fact, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has confirmed that E20-compliant vehicles with upgraded components began rolling out from April 2023. Thus, the allegation that E20 leads to drastic drop in fuel efficiency is factually incorrect, the ministry regards claims of material corrosion, the Petroleum Ministry said standards for E20, including corrosion inhibitors and compatible fuel system materials, are well established through BIS specifications and Automotive Industry Standards. Replacement of some rubber parts/ gaskets could be advised in certain older vehicles after prolonged use of say 20,000 to 30,000 kms. This replacement is inexpensive and easily done during regular servicing of the vehicle, the ministry ethanol in petrol, a fossil fuel aslo helps in reducing CO2 emissions, the ministry said. 'Ethanol is increasingly being produced from not only sugarcane but also from surplus rice, maize, damaged foodgrains, and agricultural residues, especially under the push for second-generation (2G) biofuels. This makes ethanol blending not only technically viable, but environmentally sustainable as well', the ministry said. It cited a study on life cycle emissions of ethanol done by Niti Aayog which found that GHG emissions in case of sugarcane and maize based ethanol use is less by 65% and 50%, respectively, than that of the Petroleum Ministry said entail helps improve ride quality and vehicle performance: Ethanol has a higher octane number than Petrol (~108.5 vs. 84.4) which implies that ethanol-petrol blends have a higher octane number than traditional petrol. Therefore, the use of ethanol becomes a partial alternative for providing high-octane fuels (~95), required for modern high compression ratio engines providing a better ride quality, the ministry explained.E20 blending, the ministry said, also 'significantly strengthens India's energy security by reducing dependence on crude oil imports'. Since, 2014-15 India has already saved more than Rs. 1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange through petrol substitution. Ethanol blending supports the rural economy, with expeditious payment of over Rs. 1.20 lakh crore to farmers, thereby creating income and employment opportunities in the agricultural and biofuel sectors. #E20 blending has helped India reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 700 lakh tonnes, contributing to climate change the ministry added, claims that this transition to E20 is abrupt or poorly communicated does not align with the detailed rollout plans outlined in the Government of India's Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020–25, available on the websites of #MoPNG and @NitiAayog since 2021. The implementation of E20 in India has followed a phased and widely consulted approach, involving coordination between ministries, vehicle manufacturers, fuel retailers, standards agencies etc. 'Thus, the narrative that #EthanolBlending in Petrol is harming vehicles or causing undue hardship to consumers is not based on real facts and lacks technical foundation', it held.
