In India’s energy transition and biofuel strategy, the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has become an indispensable part. This programme, launched in 2003, aims to enhance energy security, reduce dependence on imported crude oil, assist farmers and reduce environmental pollution by increasing the use of domestically produced renewable fuel. As part of this initiative, the blending of ethanol in petrol has risen from less than 1.5% in 2013-14 to 20% in 2025-26. This achievement allows India to meet its E20 blending target five years ahead of schedule.

Ethanol procurement has also grown significantly. It has increased from around 38 crore litres in the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 to a projected over 1,200 crore litres in 2025-26. Concurrently, ethanol production capacity has expanded nearly fivefold, increasing from 421 crore litres in 2014 to nearly 2,000 crore litres by 2026.

These advancements have contributed to a reduction in crude oil imports, savings in foreign exchange, a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and the creation of new income opportunities for Indian farmers. Despite these successes, several myths about E20 fuel continue to spread on social media. Let’s examine the facts behind the most common claims.

1. Myth: E20 Fuel Reduces Mileage by 30%

Reality:

The widely shared claim that E20 reduces mileage by 30% is misleading. The 30% figure refers only to the lower calorific value of ethanol compared to petrol, not to the actual mileage a vehicle delivers on the road.

In real driving conditions, fuel economy depends on several factors, including driving habits, tyre pressure, vehicle servicing, traffic conditions, and air conditioner usage. Fuel type is only one of many factors affecting mileage.

2. Myth: E20 Fuel Damages Vehicle Engines, Especially Older Ones

Reality:

There has been no widespread evidence of engine damage linked to E20 fuel since its rollout.

Before introducing E20, extensive testing was carried out by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and vehicle manufacturers. E20 was approved only after confirming its compatibility with vehicles designed to use the fuel.

3. Myth: Ethanol is Not a High-Performance Fuel

Reality:

This claim is incorrect. Ethanol is actually a high-octane fuel with a research octane number of approximately 108.5, compared to around 84.4 for petrol.

Blending ethanol increases the effective octane rating of Indian petrol to nearly 95, which improves combustion. Vehicles calibrated for E20 can experience smoother performance, improved acceleration, and lower emissions.

4. Myth: Insurance Companies Reject Claims for E20-Related Damage

Reality:

Vehicle manufacturers and insurance providers have clarified that using E20 fuel does not affect insurance claims or vehicle warranties in India.

SIAM has also confirmed that manufacturers will continue to honour warranties for vehicles operating on specification-compliant E20 fuel.

5. Myth: Ethanol-Blended Petrol Should Be Cheaper, and the Government is Keeping the Difference

Reality:

This claim is based on outdated information.

A NITI Aayog report from 2020-21 showed ethanol procurement costs were lower than petrol at that time. However, ethanol procurement costs have increased since then and are now higher than refined petrol costs.

The government continues promoting ethanol blending because of its long-term benefits, including improved energy security, reduced emissions, and higher income opportunities for farmers.

6. Myth: The Government Admitted That E20 is Just an “Experiment”

Reality:

This misunderstanding arose from a legal case concerning ethanol procurement contracts, not the E20 fuel programme itself.

According to the Attorney General’s office (30 June 2026), claims suggesting the government described E20 as merely an “experiment” are incorrect.

7. Myth: Sugarcane Juice is Directly Mixed with Petrol

Reality:

Videos showing raw sugarcane juice being mixed with petrol are misleading.

Fuel-grade ethanol is produced through fermentation and industrial processing, which completely changes its chemical properties. Before blending with petrol, ethanol must meet strict fuel quality standards.

8. Myth: Producing One Litre of Ethanol Requires 10,000 Litres of Water

Reality:

This figure is inaccurate.

Modern ethanol plants typically use only 3–5 litres of processed water to produce one litre of ethanol. Many distilleries also operate with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems to recycle water.

Claims attributing the entire agricultural water footprint of paddy cultivation to ethanol production are misleading. Only surplus rice, approved after meeting national food security requirements, is used for ethanol production.

9. Myth: Ants and Bees Gather Around Fuel Caps Because E20 Contains Sugar

Reality:

Fuel ethanol contains no residual sugar.

During the distillation process, sugars are completely removed. In addition, fuel ethanol contains denaturants, and the smell of petrol remains dominant. E20 also produces less vapour than regular petrol, making claims about insects being attracted to fuel caps scientifically incorrect.

10. Myth: E20 Absorbs Water and Will Damage Fuel Tanks

Reality:

Ethanol does have water-absorbing properties, but modern vehicles are specifically designed to prevent water from entering fuel tanks.

Keeping water out of the fuel system is a basic requirement for all vehicles, regardless of whether they use regular petrol or ethanol-blended petrol. Modern fuel systems include design features and safeguards that minimise the risk of water contamination.

Conclusion

The success of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme has made E20 fuel an important part of the country’s clean energy strategy. However, misinformation has created unnecessary confusion among vehicle owners.

The facts show that many popular claims about E20 fuel—whether related to mileage, engine damage, insurance, water usage, or vehicle performance—are either misunderstood or unsupported by evidence. As India continues expanding the use of ethanol-blended petrol, understanding these myths and the realities behind them can help consumers make informed decisions based on verified information rather than rumours.

Source: PIB