India's Government May Delay Mandatory Higher Ethanol Fuel Blending Amid Engine Damage Concerns
India's government is considering postponing a mandatory increase in ethanol blending beyond E20 (20% ethanol) to avoid damaging engines in older vehicles, according to officials and industry experts. Most vehicles on Indian roads were designed for E10 or are only partially E20-compliant, and higher blending could reduce fuel efficiency by 1-2% or more while raising maintenance costs. The government is instead promoting flex-fuel vehicles that can handle multiple ethanol blends, while preparing standards for E22 through E30 options.
India's government may hold off on mandating higher ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current E20 standard (20% ethanol), instead allowing consumers to choose based on their vehicle compatibility. The decision reflects concerns that rushing to E25 or higher blends could damage engines and reduce fuel efficiency in the majority of vehicles on Indian roads—most manufactured before March 2023 were designed for E10 or are only partially E20-compliant. According to a 2021 Niti Aayog report, E20 fuel causes 1-2% fuel efficiency loss in E10-designed vehicles, though users report higher actual losses. Rather than introducing multiple mandatory blending grades, experts recommend promoting flex-fuel vehicles that can run on various ethanol blends and installing separate fuel dispensers at stations to let drivers choose appropriate fuel. The auto industry, including Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp, is ready to roll out flex-fuel vehicles, while the government prepares standards for E22, E25, E27, and E30 options and conducts E25 vehicle trials.
What different sources said
- Times of IndiaCenter
Government may hold off on higher ethanol mandate
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