Honourable Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Puri has addressed concerns surrounding the use of E20 petrol, which has 20% ethanol in it. As reported, after speaking to press in conference in Delhi, he dismissed the rumours and defended the government’s ethanol blending programme and said misinformation about the fuel that is creating unnecessary confusion caused within public.

Linking to the ongoing iris in the Middle East, the minister spoke about the recent rise in the fuel prices.

Mileage May Reduce Slightly, Says Puri

The claims that has been made that E20 petrol lowers the fuel efficiency, he responded to by admitting that vehicles might notice a small drop in mileage. Though, he even said that the reduction is minor and it all depends on several other factors too.

He also added the benefits that ethanol blended fuel offers, which includes acceleration and reduced engine knocking. He also pointed the use of motorsports, the ministers said ethanol is even used in racing cars because its performance advantages.

“Somebody is saying that fuel mileage is going to drop. It is now well established that ethanol is even used in racing cars. Acceleration improves. Knocking also improves. Mileage? Yes, it may drop a little. But it may drop slightly due to various factors,” Puri said.

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No Impact On Vehicle Insurance

He also denied the rumours claiming that insurance companies would reject the claim for vehicle using E20 petrol.

It has already been clarified by insurance providers that using ethanol blended fuel does not affect insurance coverage, according to Puri.

“Someone says, ‘Your insurance will no longer cover this’. Insurance companies have already clarified that there is no such issue,” he said.

Higher Ethanol Blends Will Come Only After Testing

Currently, according to Puri, government is currently has its focus on 20% ethanol blending but it is open to increasing the blend in future if the test related to safety and tech are successfully completed.

India will continue to provide support to multiple clean mobility options, which includes electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, hybrid vehicles and vehicles powered by biofuels.

The government has already notified Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications for petrol blended with 22%, 25%, 27% and 30% ethanol. And excise duty exemptions for has been provided for these fuels.