Petroleum Minister Puri says no issues with E20, rollout of E25 will depend on test results and stakeholder consultation
New Delhi, July 7
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday said reports of customer problems with E20 fuel are a "misrepresentation", and stressed that the move to a higher E25 blend will only happen after tests are completed and discussed with automakers.
Dismissing the controversy around 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol, Puri said both car manufacturers and consumers have accepted the fuel.
"The automobile manufacturers, as well as the people who service these vehicles, all say there is no difficulty. Why this sudden interest?" he said. "It is a misrepresentation and I don't want to use stronger words."
The Minister noted that India has been gradually increasing ethanol blending. "We have been using E15 for the last three and a half years. We have been on E20 since April of last year. From April 2025 to April 2026, it has already been one year, and we are now another five months beyond that," he said.
According to Puri, 20 crore two-wheelers and 20 lakh four-wheelers are currently running on ethanol-blended petrol. "The car manufacturers are comfortable with E20. Each one of them has made a statement to that effect. Consumers also appreciate the product," he added.
On calls to move to E25, Puri said the government is not rushing the decision. "If someone is suggesting E25, we have made it clear that we are conducting tests. Those tests will take time. Once the reports are available, we will evaluate them. Then we will discuss the findings with the stakeholders and the automobile manufacturers. After all, I neither manufacture the cars nor the fuel," he said.
The Minister also updated on E85 rollout, saying it has only just begun. "We have only begun the rollout of E85, and that rollout will take some time because new petrol pumps and related infrastructure need to be put in place," he said.
The government is targeting 20 per cent ethanol blending nationwide under its Ethanol Blended Petrol programme to cut import dependence and support farmers. Puri maintained that the transition is proceeding in phases, based on technical data and industry feedback.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a farmer from Uttar Pradesh, I'm happy about this ethanol push. It means more income from our sugarcane. But I worry about the cost of new pumps—will it increase petrol prices? In our village, even E20 pumps are rare. Jal hi jivan hai, but ethanol is also jivan for us kisans! 🌱
I've been using E20 in my Activa for six months now. No issues at all. But my friend's new Honda City gave him a check engine light after two tanks of E20. The dealer said it's fine, but it makes you think. Let's not rush into E25. Better safe than sorry, na?
Finally some common sense from the ministry! We need to reduce our oil imports—it's a matter of national security. But please, please don't force E25 on older vehicles. My father's 2010 Wagon R isn't designed for this. The rollout must be phased and with clear guidelines for consumers. 🙏
Puri ji is right—car manufacturers are on board. I work at Maruti's R&D, and we've tested E20 extensively. But the real challenge is the supply chain. Ethanol production isn't uniform across states. In dry years, we might face shortages. Let's first ensure consistent E20 supply before dreaming of E25. Also, E85 infrastructure will take years in our country.
Chalo, at least they're consulting stakeholders. But why is this 'misrepresentation' narrative coming up? Many auto forums have reported issues with E20—higher fuel consumption and
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.