Govt planning to bring E10 back? Clamour grows after top bureaucrat's remark
E20 is petrol containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. The government has promoted higher ethanol blending as a way to reduce crude oil imports, save foreign exchange and improve India's energy security. India also achieved its 20% blending target ahead of the original 2030 deadline. However, the nationwide shift has generated concerns among some vehicle owners, particularly those with older…
The debate over E20 petrol has reignited after Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran suggested lower-ethanol fuel like E10 should be available for older vehicles. However, government officials maintain there are no plans to reintroduce E10 at fuel stations. Nageswaran argued in an opinion piece that older vehicles, particularly those with rubber seals not designed for higher ethanol content, need protection while the industry works on making them compatible with higher ethanol blends.
India has around 75-80 million older two-wheelers, some of which could face issues with the higher ethanol content in E20. Despite the CEA's suggestion, officials say there is no current discussion about bringing back E10 due to additional infrastructure costs, pricing complexities, and distribution concerns. The government also fears using E10 might imply E20 is not suitable for older vehicles, which they reject.
While studies show E20 does not cause mechanical issues, some vehicle owners report lower fuel efficiency and component problems. The opposition has seized on the debate, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioning the government and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accusing the government of profiteering from the issue. The broader question now is whether the government will eventually consider giving older vehicle owners a choice between different ethanol blends.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
