Government Chief Economic Adviser Nageswaran Says E20 Fuel Could Be Harmful

Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran has raised concerns over the use of E20 petrol and urged the government to bring E10 petrol back as an option for older vehicles. He suggested that before increasing ethanol blending beyond the current 20% target, the government should carefully assess the balance between food and fuel requirements.

Nageswaran recommended that E10 petrol should remain available alongside E20 until older vehicles are gradually phased out. He stressed that ethanol-blending policies should consider vehicle compatibility as well as food security and fuel requirements. His remarks have triggered renewed discussion over India’s ethanol-blending strategy and the need for a balanced approach to the transition.