The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, dismissed social‑media allegations that engines are being damaged by E20 petrol, saying the fuel mix is compatible with India’s fleet.
Puri told reporters that the government’s ethanol blend policy, which introduced E15 in 2023 and rolled out E20 last April, has not led to widespread mechanical problems. “We have no evidence that E20 is causing engine damage,” he said. “Manufacturers and service stations report no significant issues.”
The ministry has been monitoring the blend’s performance. “We have been collecting data from service centers and vehicle manufacturers, and the feedback so far is reassuring,” Puri added. He noted that India has been using E15 fuel for over three years and has now expanded the programme to E20.
Tests for the next step in the programme, E25, are underway. Puri said the government will conduct further studies and engage stakeholders before any new blend is approved. “We are committed to ensuring that any change in the fuel composition does not compromise vehicle reliability,” he said.
The ethanol programme has been promoted as a way to reduce dependence on imported petrol and cut carbon emissions. Puri rejected criticism that the blend is a “political experiment” and defended the government’s strategy as “scientifically backed and economically sound.”
Analysis: The ministry’s statement aligns with earlier reports that the government has monitored the impact of E15 and E20 on vehicle performance. However, independent verification from automotive associations and independent laboratories has not yet been made public. The ongoing tests for E25 will likely attract scrutiny from vehicle owners and industry groups concerned about long‑term durability. The government’s emphasis on stakeholder consultation suggests an effort to pre‑empt potential opposition and maintain confidence in the ethanol blending programme.
Sources
Times of India, “Serviced vehicles not facing difficulty: Hardeep Puri rejects engine damage claims over E20 fuel,” 27 July 2026, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/serviced-vehicles-not-facing-difficulty-hardeep-puri-rejects-engine-damage-claims-over-e20-fuel/articleshow/132240920.cms
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
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