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New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Sugar farmers' cooperative body supports govt's ethanol blending programme, says it benefits farmers
NEW DELHI: Sugar farmers' cooperative organisation has backed the government's ethanol blending program, which is scientifically validated, economically inclusive, and environmentally responsible. The blending process does not significantly affect vehicle engines or their efficiency. In a social media post on Monday, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) dismissed concerns about the negative impact of ethanol-blended petrol (E20) on older vehicles, calling these worries unfounded. The ministry assured the public that E20 petrol does not cause significant damage to older vehicles. The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) said it strongly supports the recent clarification issued by the MoPNG, which addresses the unfounded concerns raised about the impact of 20% ethanol-blended petrol on vehicles.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Sugar farmers' body supports government's ethanol blending programme, says it benefits farmers
NEW DELHI: Sugar farmers' cooperative organisation has backed the government's ethanol blending program, which is scientifically validated, economically inclusive, and environmentally responsible. The blending process does not significantly affect vehicle engines or their efficiency. In a social media post on Monday, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) dismissed concerns about the negative impact of ethanol-blended petrol (E20) on older vehicles, calling these worries unfounded. The ministry assured the public that E20 petrol does not cause significant damage to older vehicles. The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) said it strongly supports the recent clarification issued by the MoPNG, which addresses the unfounded concerns raised about the impact of 20% ethanol-blended petrol on vehicles.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- 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. Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING VinFast VF e34 41.9 kWh 41.9 kWh 318 km 318 km ₹ 25 - 30 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Hyundai Stargazer 1493 cc 1493 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 10 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Tata Altroz Racer 1199 cc 1199 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 9.49 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING MG Baojun 510 1998 cc 1998 cc Diesel Diesel ₹ 11 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder 5204 cc 5204 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 3.54 Cr Compare View Offers Lamborghini Huracan STO 5204 cc 5204 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 4.99 Cr Compare View Offers E20 petrol: What is it? India has adopted E20 petrol across the country, which is petrol with 20 per cent ethanol blending. With the ehtnaol blending, the pollutant properties of petrol are reduced. Ethanol is considered a biofuel and emits fewer pollutants compared to petrol or diesel. Using ethanol-blended petrol reduces the vehicle's tailpipe emissions compared to what it emits using pure non-blended petrol. 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
5 days ago
- 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.
News18
5 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
'Largely Unfounded': Centre On Concerns Over 20% Ethanol Blending In Fuel On Vehicles
Last Updated: The Ministry dismissed these concerns as "largely unfounded and not supported by scientific research or field data". The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) on Monday issued a statement countering multiple media reports questioning the impact of 20 percent ethanol blending (E20) in petrol on vehicle performance, particularly in older vehicles and customer experience. The Ministry dismissed these concerns as 'largely unfounded and not supported by scientific research or field data". The Ministry further cited both domestic and international studies confirming that E20 has no significant adverse effect on engine performance, fuel efficiency, or vehicle durability. Taking to X, MoPNG wrote, 'International studies on the effect of using Ethanol-Petrol Blends on Mechanical, Energy and Environmental Performance of Vehicles through testing of 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 statement added. This marginal drop in efficiency can be further minimised through improved engine tuning and use of E20-compatible materials, which leading automobile manufacturers have already adopted. 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. On the issue of material corrosion, the Ministry stated, 'Safety 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 also addressed environmental conditions and added that Ethanol replaces petrol, a fossil fuel and reduces CO2 emissions. 'India's ethanol blending programme is through feedstock diversification. 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. A study on life cycle emissions of ethanol done by Niti Aayog has assessed that GHG emissions in case of sugarcane and maize-based ethanol use is less by 65 percent and 50 percent, respectively, than those of petrol, the Ministry noted. Highlighting the benefits related to ride quality and vehicle performance, the Ministry noted: '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. Vehicles tuned for E20 (having increased RON) deliver even higher performance. Ethanol is also characterised by having a higher heat of vaporisation than petrol. This aspect makes the temperature of the intake manifold lower, which increases air-fuel mixture density, therefore increasing the engine's volumetric efficiency." E20 blending significantly strengthens India's energy security by reducing dependence on crude oil imports. The claim that this transition 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 Niti Aayog 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, the ministry highlighted. 'The narrative that Ethanol Blending in Petrol is harming vehicles or causing undue hardship to consumers is not based on real facts and lacks technical foundation. Ethanol blending is a forward-looking, scientifically supported, and environmentally responsible measure that brings multi-dimensional benefits to the nation," MoPNG concluded. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Ethanol-Petrol blend view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 07:32 IST News india 'Largely Unfounded': Centre On Concerns Over 20% Ethanol Blending In Fuel On Vehicles Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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