India’s initiative to introduce 20% ethanol blending in petrol, known as E20, is a key element of its energy strategy, but it has sparked heated debate. While policymakers and the automotive sector promote the blend as a means to curb fossil fuel dependence and reduce carbon emissions, many consumers and experts remain skeptical about its practical implications.
The government insists that worries over engine
damage and reduced mileage are largely overstated. According to the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers
(SIAM), modern vehicles can safely run on E20, and older cars typically only
require minor, low-cost rubber part replacements during routine maintenance.
Officials also highlight that any slight decrease in fuel efficiency is balanced by ethanol’s higher octane rating, which can enhance engine performance. The program is further credited with reducing import bills and supporting rural economies by boosting agricultural demand.
Yet critics are unconvinced. Consumers like Amit Pandhi feel compelled to accept lower mileage and extra vehicle maintenance costs without access to alternative fuels. More critically, agricultural and food policy experts caution that using water-intensive crops such as sugarcane, as well as surplus grains like maize and rice, for ethanol production could threaten food security and disrupt the animal feed market. With plans to eventually move to E30, these concerns may become more pronounced, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of the policy.
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