Govt. says ethanol blending backed by extensive trials and best practices as concerns linger despite clarifications
The article discusses the Indian government's defense of its ethanol blending program (EBP) amidst public concerns regarding engine corrosion and reduced mileage. The Petroleum Ministry clarified that extensive field trials by bodies like ARAI, IIP, SIAM, and Indian Oil in 2014 found no significant negative effects with 20% ethanol blend (E20), which was formally launched in Feb 2023 and achieved 19.99% blending by Dec 2025. The Ministry highlighted ethanol's high octane number and superior anti-knock characteristics, citing international best practices (e.g., Brazil's 27% blending). It also emphasized the program's economic benefits, including substituting crude oil, expediting farmer payments, and saving foreign exchange. Political figures like Arvind Kejriwal and Tehseen Poonawalla have raised concerns and called for a review of the mandatory blending policy.
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