Hardeep Singh Puri Defends Ethanol Blending Amid E20 Row
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has defended India’s ethanol blending programme, saying ethanol-blended petrol remains part of the country’s broader fuel transition strategy. His remarks came amid public concerns over E20 fuel, mileage impact and pressure on state-run oil marketing companies.
Hardeep Puri Defends Ethanol Blending
Puri said ethanol is used in high-performance and racing applications because of its combustion characteristics, including higher octane value and anti-knock properties. He said concerns over mileage reduction should be viewed in context, adding that fuel efficiency may vary due to several factors and not ethanol alone.
The minister said the government moved towards E20 after consultations with stakeholders, including automobile industry bodies and testing agencies. He also rejected claims that insurance coverage would be affected due to ethanol-blended petrol.
E20 Fuel Mileage And Vehicle Concerns
India is currently using E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol blended with petrol. Puri said any move beyond E20, such as E25, would happen only after necessary testing and stakeholder consultation.
He added that India’s vehicle market has space for multiple technologies, including electric vehicles, ethanol-blended fuel vehicles, hybrids and CNG vehicles. The government has positioned ethanol blending as a way to reduce crude oil imports, support farmers and lower emissions.
Oil Companies Face Fuel Losses
Puri also addressed the financial pressure on public sector oil marketing companies. He said state-run firms incurred losses of about ₹74,781 crore while selling petrol, diesel and LPG below cost amid crude oil volatility linked to tensions in West Asia.
On possible fuel price cuts, the minister said any decision would depend on whether lower crude prices sustain for the next two to three months, as companies are still processing crude purchased earlier at higher prices.
