Modi’s government in India rolled out E20, petrol with 20% ethanol blended in it, last year, and since April 1, it has been the only fuel available for sale at gas stations across the country. Modi cited dependence on oil imports, since India imports about 90% of its oil, and pollution as the reasons for the rule. The war in Iran may also be a factor since oil availability is down and prices are up. However, the plan has not been popular, with many people concerned about engine performance and damage to engine parts. In the U.S., most cars can and do run on up to 10% ethanol, with some able to run on 15% ethanol. India produces its ethanol domestically. Ethanol contains oxygen and introduces it into the engine system, which can increase corrosion. E10 is thought to decrease fuel economy by about 3%, so E20 will exceed that, perhaps doubling it to 6%.
"Restoring a lower blend at the pumps, say, E10,
alongside the option to buy E20, would calm most public concern," India's
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran said in an opinion piece in the
Indian Express newspaper on Monday.
Nageswaran co-authored an
opinion piece with Akash Poojari, a consultant in India's Department of
Economic Affairs. They did not stress the possibility of damage to engine parts
but did note that E20 can cause problems with older vehicles with rubber seals
and gaskets not rated for such a blend.
"India has roughly 75 to 80 million older two-wheelers ... older rubber seals that are not rated for ethanol are a separate problem ... retrofitting those seals... that way will take years," the opinion piece said.
References:
India
should bring back fuel with lower blend of ethanol, chief economic adviser says.
Reuters. August 17, 2026. India
should bring back fuel with lower blend of ethanol, chief economic adviser says
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