New Delhi, July 23: The Central Government has clarified that premium petrol sold by public sector oil companies will continue to be ethanol-free, while there is no proposal to reintroduce E0 (0% ethanol) or E10 (10% ethanol) petrol for regular use across the country.
The clarification was given in Parliament by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The government also stated that there is no decision to increase ethanol blending beyond the current E20 level. Any future move toward higher ethanol blends will be considered only after detailed scientific studies and consultations with automobile manufacturers, oil companies, and research institutions.
According to the ministry, the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol followed extensive testing on engine durability, fuel systems, emissions, and vehicle performance. Officials said there is no proposal to return to E0 or E10 petrol, as E20 has been scientifically validated and accepted by the automobile industry.
The government added that maintaining separate nationwide supplies of E0, E10, and E20 would significantly increase logistics, storage, and distribution costs. It said the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has helped reduce crude oil imports, lower carbon emissions, improve energy security, and increase income for farmers supplying ethanol feedstocks.
Responding to concerns over vehicle performance, the ministry said it has not received widespread complaints of engine damage linked to E20 petrol. However, it acknowledged that some older vehicles designed for E10 fuel may experience a 3–5% reduction in fuel efficiency when using E20.
