For the last few days, there has been a lot of discussion and debate about ethanol-blended petrol from social media to petrol pumps. While some people are praising E-20 petrol, some people also have many complaints related to it. Meanwhile, the government has clarified that for now the decision is limited only to mixing 20 percent ethanol in petrol; There is no discussion right now about increasing this ratio further.
**What did the Union Minister say?**
Recently, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi spoke on this issue in the Rajya Sabha. He said that if any consideration is given to increasing the quantity of ethanol in future, first scientific studies will be conducted and then talks will be held with automobile companies, oil companies and research centres. Only after that a decision will be taken.
**Target set at 20 percent**
Apart from this, Minister Suresh Gopi said that India achieved the target of 20 percent ethanol blending five years ahead of schedule. In the financial year 2013-14, the share of ethanol in petrol was only 1.53 percent; Which has now increased to 20 percent for the period 2025-26.
**Mileage may be reduced in old vehicles**
Regarding the use of E-20 petrol in vehicles, the minister said that the government has not received any complaints about engine damage, fuel pump problems, rust or water-related problems. Millions of two-wheelers and petrol cars have been running on E20 petrol for years and there has been no evidence of large-scale technical failure. However, mileage may be reduced by 3-5% in older vehicles built for E10 fuel.
**Will there be any option at petrol pumps?**
Also, the government stressed that only surplus grains are used to make ethanol, so that food security is not affected. Additionally, there are currently no plans to make low ethanol or ethanol-free petrol available separately at petrol pumps, as this would increase costs and reduce the benefits the scheme provides to the environment and farmers.
