Supreme Court Hears Key Case on E20 Petrol, Centre Clarifies

The Supreme Court heard a key case concerning the use of E20 petrol in India. During the hearing, the Central Government responded to concerns regarding possible damage to older vehicle engines, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased pollution. The Centre stated that there is currently no scientific evidence supporting claims circulating on social media that E20 petrol harms older vehicles or negatively affects mileage and emissions.

The government also highlighted the benefits of ethanol-blended fuel, including reduced crude oil imports, significant savings in foreign exchange, additional income for farmers, and lower carbon emissions. According to the Centre, India has already saved more than ₹1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange through the ethanol blending programme. The matter remains under consideration before the Supreme Court.