The use of ethanol-blended petrol has been found to bear no adverse impact on the performance on automobiles and commercial vehicles, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkariinformed theLok Sabhaon Thursday. The move has further helped the country save more than Rs 1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange while also benefiting farmers, he added.
Gadkari explained that the introduction of E20 petrol is an important step towards a cleaner and greener future. He said ethanol-blended petrol reduces pollution and lowers the country’s dependence on costly fuel imports.
Economics of ethanol blending
According to Gadkari, in addition to saving Rs 1.4 lakh crore on forex, the ethanol blending programme offers a host of economic benefits. As per information released earlier by the government, the ethanol blending programme has resulted in the reduction of 790 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ and substituted more than 260 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil.
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Expanding on the long term economic benefits offered by the E20 programme, Gadkari told the parliament that Indian farmers received around Rs 40,000 crore for supplying sugarcane, maize and other raw materials for the Ethanol blending programme.
Impact of ethanol blending on automobile performance
Responding to a question on vehicle compatibility with E10 and E20 fuel standards, the union transport minister reiterated his previous claims about how no evidence of adverse impact has been found in any of the studies conducted by the centre and shared details of the present government policy on the subject.
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The union transport minister said vehicle manufacturers are responsible for declaring whether a model is compatible with E20 fuel, and this information must be clearly displayed on the vehicle using a visible sticker.
Gadkari also clarified that vehicles sold before April 1, 2023, are compatible with E10 fuel, while those sold after this date are made with materials compliant with E20 standards.
The minister explained that safety norms for E20 fuel have been established through BIS specifications and Automotive Industry Standards. Tests have shown no issues with drivability, startability, or the compatibility of metal and plastic components.
“A study by ARAI, IOCL and SIAM has confirmed that normal wear and tear from using ethanol-blended fuel can be managed through routine servicing, and no special retrofitting programme is required. . Tests have shown no issues with drivability, startability, or the compatibility of metal and plastic components,” he concluded. |
