Centre Makes Key Announcement on Increasing Ethanol Blending in Petrol

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has clarified that the government has no immediate plans to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the existing 20% level, known as E20. Speaking at an event in Goa, he alleged that misleading claims were circulating about E20 fuel. He said the government promotes ethanol-blended petrol to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower the oil import bill and help address the current account deficit.

Puri acknowledged that some vehicles manufactured before 2003 could face issues when using E20 petrol. However, he rejected claims on social media that the fuel was causing vehicles to malfunction or that the government had stopped selling blended fuel. He also said an automobile company had filed a case against a person allegedly spreading false claims about engine damage. According to the minister, E20 blending has helped the government save around ₹1.60 lakh crore, while farmers have received an estimated ₹1.40 lakh crore in income.