Govt won’t raise ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20%, says Minister Puri
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New Delhi: Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday stated that the government will not increase ethanol content in petrol beyond 20% at present. Speaking at the KPMG ENRich 2025 event, Puri said the impact of the current 20% ethanol blending (E20) will first be assessed before any decision on further increase.
“We had the target of 20%, initially set for 2030, and we achieved it six years ahead of schedule. I will put a full stop there,” Puri said, according to the New Indian Express.
The E20 rollout has faced criticism, with complaints about reduced fuel efficiency and mileage. Puri, however, refuted such claims, stating that the ecosystem is adapting to the changes. “We will now assess where we have to go. All the stories about another leapfrogging will be decided once the ecosystem absorbs these changes,” he added.
He highlighted that India’s ethanol blending in petrol grew from 1.4% in 2014 to 10% by November 2022, achieving the target five months ahead of schedule. The minister noted that this initiative supports the government’s broader sustainability goals.
Since 2014-15, ethanol blending has reportedly saved over Rs 1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange, ensured payments exceeding Rs 1.20 lakh crore to farmers, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by lakhs of tonnes, according to the Petroleum Ministry.
Earlier, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging the nationwide E20 rollout and seeking ethanol-free petrol.
Puri also expressed optimism about green hydrogen, stating that India aims to achieve price competitiveness by reducing green hydrogen costs to below $3 per kilogram.