E20 fuel in use over 2.5 years with no verified engine failures

Asked and answered by: Shri M K Raghavan (asked), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (answered)

What the government said

• Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme introduced through phased, consultative process
• E20 fuel transition after validation of fuel systems, engine durability, emissions
• E20 safe for use under prescribed standards, no adverse impact on vehicle performance
• More than 20 crore two-wheelers and 3 crore petrol cars operating on E15+ and E19-E20 blends without widespread engine failure
• Foreign exchange savings of ₹1.98 lakh crore, substitution of 317 lakh metric tonnes crude oil, reduction of 952 lakh metric tonnes CO₂ emissions
• Public Sector OMCs sell E20 petrol at retail outlets, no separate display of ethanol percentage needed
• E85 fuel priced ₹20/litre lower than conventional petrol for Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs)

Also in the document

• E20 fuel has been in use for over two-and-a-half years without verified evidence of widespread engine failure
• OMCs determined petrol prices considering international crude oil prices, exchange rates, taxes, etc., with domestic fuel prices increasing only 7-8% despite 70-80% global crude price rise
• E85 fuel is intended exclusively for Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and priced lower to pass economic benefits to consumers