E20 petrol row: Govt answers 9 FAQs on mileage, performance, damage, pricing & more
The government has said that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme is a major component of India's energy strategy,. (E85 petrol - ANI photo) Ethanol
The government has said that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme is a major component of India's energy strategy,. (E85 petrol - ANI photo) Ethanol Blended Petrol: What is it? Let’s take a look at nine FAQs that the government has answered on ethanol-blended petrol Ethanol-Blended Petrol: FAQs Answered Q1. Is ethanol a new fuel that India invented or rushed into? 2001: A pilot ethanol blending programme was launched. 2004: The programme was formally announced. 2006: E5, or 5 percent blending, rolled out across several states. January 2013: The policy framework was notified in the Gazette of India with a target of achieving 5% ethanol blending across 10 States and Union Territories. Despite this, blending stayed stuck at around 1.5 percent until 2014, because India simply could not produce enough ethanol from sugarcane alone. May 2018: The Policy on Biofuels widened the raw material base beyond sugarcane, to maize and surplus grain, and turned ethanol production into a genuine whole of government mission.
widened the raw material base beyond sugarcane, to maize and surplus grain, and turned ethanol production into a genuine whole of government mission. June 2021: NITI Aayog released a detailed roadmap after consulting automakers, oil companies and farm experts. released a detailed roadmap after consulting automakers, oil companies and farm experts. August 2021: IOCL, BPCL and HPCL invited private investment to set up Dedicated Ethanol Plants, backed by guaranteed purchase agreements and bank financing. Q2. How did India move to 20 percent blending so quickly? Ethanol Supply Year Blending Achieved 2020-21 ~8.1% 2021-22 10.00% 2022-23 12.10% 2023-24 14.60% 2024-25 19.20% 2025-26 (Nov to June) 20% Q3. Why can't I simply choose between pure petrol, E10 and E20 at the pump, like I choose premium fuel? Q4. Was the automobile industry actually consulted before E20 was rolled out? Q5. Will E20 reduce my vehicle's mileage or hurt its performance?
A Research Octane Number of about 108.5, compared to 84.4 for petrol. Raises the effective octane rating of Indian petrol to around 95, improving combustion in modern engines. Vehicles calibrated for E20 deliver smoother acceleration. E20 offers superior anti-knock characteristics. E20 also enables cleaner engine operation with significantly lower particulate emissions. E20 can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by nearly 40 percent. Q6. My vehicle manual says 'E10 compatible'. Does that mean E20 is unsafe for my car? Q7. Will E20 damage rubber parts, fuel lines or engines in older vehicles? Q8. Ethanol should be a cheaper fuel. So why isn't E20 priced lower than pure petrol? Q9. Has ethanol blending helped keep petrol prices in India more stable than in other countries? Country Petrol, June 2022 Petrol, June 2026 Rise Pakistan 92.64 129.48 39.77% Bangladesh 76.97 109.82 42.69% Sri Lanka 90.43 123.59 36.66% Nepal 113.99 137.19 20.35% France 174.18 205.08 17.74% Germany 163.18 194.26 19.05% Italy 166.85 197.52 18.39% India (Delhi) 96.72 102.12 5.58% United States: E10 is the standard petrol blend across the country, while E15 is being rolled out more widely with support from the US government.
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