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| Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap
Notwithstanding a series of measures taken in the recent past to popularise bio-fuel blending, the government informed on Monday (July 20, 2026) that no decision has been taken to increase the blending quantum of ethanol with petrol beyond the present 20%.
It further added that no decision had been taken to blend ethanol with diesel for commercial use.
“At present, no decision has been taken by the government to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20% or to introduce ethanol blending in diesel for commercial use,” Suresh Gopi, Union Minister of State at the Petroleum Ministry told Rajya Sabha whilst responding to a query, adding, “Any future decision, if considered, will be based on comprehensive scientific evaluation, vehicle compatibility studies, stakeholder consultations and the availability of adequate domestic production capacity.”
However, in June this year, the government — seeking to boost biofuel blending — had in June this year had exempted petrol blended with a greater quantum of ethanol, that is, 22% to 30%, from the levy of central excise duties.
Further, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) had notified the technical standards they must adhere to if they are to be rolled out commercially.
The Indian government achieved its target of having one-fifth of the quantum of ethanol blended with petrol five years ahead of schedule in 2025.
Informing about the successive increase, Mr. Gopi apprised the Upper House that 15% blending has been in “widespread use” for over three-and-a-half years, with the E19-E20 blend being prevalent for over two-and-a-half years.
Amid the backlash, Mr. Gopi maintained in his response, “More than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars have been operating on these blends without any verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown attributable to ethanol blending.”
Published – July 21, 2026 02:50 pm IST
