The Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25 has found no evidence of any negative impact on engine health from blending ethanol in petrol up to E20, according to the minister.
In a written response to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, stated, “According to the Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25, prepared by an interministerial committee, using 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) results in marginal reduction in fuel efficiency for four-wheelers designed for E10 and calibrated for E20. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) had informed the committee that with modifications in engine hardware and tuning, the efficiency loss due to blended fuel can be reduced. The Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25 has not identified any negative impact on engine health due to blending of ethanol in petrol up to E20.”
“Government has been promoting blending of ethanol in petrol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme with multiple objectives including reducing import dependence, savings in foreign exchange, providing boost to domestic agriculture sector and for associated environmental benefits. During the last ten years till ESY 2023-24, ethanol blending in petrol by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) has resulted in savings of more than Rs. 1,13,000 crore of foreign exchange, crude oil substitution of about 192 lakh metric tonnes and CO2 emission reduction of approximately 578 lakh metric tonnes. Savings on account of EBP Programme are in respect of foreign exchange conserved. EBP Programme has also supported expeditious payment to farmers. The price of petrol (including ethanol blended petrol) has been market determined with effect from 26.06.2010. Since then, OMCs take appropriate decision on pricing on petrol based on international product prices and domestic market conditions.” he further added.
The government has set a target of 20% ethanol blending by ESY 2025-26 and is likely to achieve soon.
