The government has not yet taken a decision to raise ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20% level, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi informed the Rajya Sabha. Any future increase will only follow detailed scientific studies and consultations with key stakeholders, including automobile manufacturers and oil marketing companies.
India achieved its 20% blending target five years ahead of schedule, with average blending rising from 1.53% in 2013–14 to 20% in 2025–26. Since 2014–15, the program has saved over ₹1.97 trillion in foreign exchange, displaced nearly 316 lakh tonnes of crude oil, avoided 952 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions, and generated ₹1.66 lakh crore in additional farmer income.
Addressing concerns over vehicle durability, Mr. Gopi stated that the government has received no widespread or substantiated complaints regarding engine failure, fuel-pump issues, or corrosion. Any mileage drop in older vehicles remains marginal at around 3–5%.
He also clarified that ethanol production relies strictly on surplus grains and has not compromised food security or raised retail inflation. Furthermore, there is no proposal to mandate the sale of non-blended or lower-blend petrol at select outlets, as parallel supply chains would raise costs and dilute the program’s benefits.
