Centre Rejects E25 Petrol Rollout Reports, Says No Decision Until Testing Complete

Published 7 July 2026 · india

Centre Rejects E25 Petrol Rollout Reports, Says No Decision Until Testing Complete Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 07, 2026, 13:17 IST Officials said

Centre Rejects E25 Petrol Rollout Reports, Says No Decision Until Testing Complete Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 07, 2026, 13:17 IST Officials said more than 20 crore two-wheelers and around 20 lakh four-wheelers are already running successfully on ethanol-blended petrol across the country Rapid Read The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that the government could introduce E25 petrol in phases as part of its ethanol blending programme. (AFP) The Centre has dismissed reports suggesting that India is preparing to roll out E25 petrol, saying no such decision has been taken and that testing for the higher ethanol blend is still underway across multiple vehicle models. Government sources told News18 that claims of an E25 rollout are “absolutely false", stressing that the fuel has not yet completed the extensive scientific and technical evaluation required before any policy decision can be made. “How can E25 be scheduled when testing itself is still underway?" a government source said. The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that the government could introduce E25 petrol in phases as part of its ethanol blending programme, prompting concerns among vehicle owners about engine compatibility and long-term performance. E20 Has Been In Use For Over Two Years Officials stressed that India’s ethanol blending programme has always been introduced gradually after extensive validation rather than through abrupt policy decisions. ALSO READ | E20 Petrol Is Not An ‘Engine Killer’ For Pre-2022 Cars: Decoding The Reality Behind Viral Claims According to government sources, E15 blending has been operational since April 2023.

“E19 blending was implemented through the year beginning April 2024. E20 blending has been underway since April 2025, following phased implementation over the previous two-and-a-half years." They said the transition to E20 was preceded by detailed testing involving automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies and technical experts to ensure vehicle safety and engine compatibility. On Tuesday, officials said more than 20 crore two-wheelers and around 20 lakh four-wheelers are already running on ethanol-blended petrol across the country. No Decision On E25 Until Testing Ends Sources said E25 compatibility testing is currently being carried out across different automobile brands and vehicle segments. The government has not yet received the final results of these studies, and no policy decision will be taken until all testing is complete. Officials said any future increase in ethanol blending will depend entirely on scientific evidence related to vehicle safety, engine performance, fuel efficiency, long-term durability, and manufacturer validation. “There is no proposal under implementation for E25 at present," sources said, urging people not to rely on speculative reports circulating online. Why The Government Is Pushing Ethanol India’s ethanol blending programme is a key pillar of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower fuel import bills and cut carbon emissions. ALSO READ | ‘Safe, Consumer-Friendly, Economically Beneficial’: Centre Debunks Viral Claims On E20 Fuel The Centre has steadily increased ethanol blending over the past few years under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, achieving the target of 20 per cent ethanol blending (E20) ahead of schedule.