Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi has informed that no decision has been taken by the Government to increase ethanol blending with petrol beyond 20 percent. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Mr Gopi said that any future decision regarding higher ethanol blends will be taken only after detailed scientific and technical studies and consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including automobile manufacturers and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
The Minister said that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has been implemented through a phased, scientifically validated and consultative process involving NITI Aayog, automobile manufacturers, OMCs and technical institutions.He said, extensive laboratory studies and field trials covering parameters such as engine durability, emissions and fuel efficiency, have confirmed that E20 is safe for use under prescribed standards. The Minister added that these studies also established that legacy vehicles do not exhibit any significant variation in performance or abnormal wear and tear due to E20. The Minister said, these extensive laboratory studies, field validation and real-world operating experience have not established any widespread adverse impact on vehicle performance due to E20 fuel.
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