Industry Experts Say Ethanol Blending Programme Implemented Through Scientific, Phased Approach

Industry experts have said that ethanol blending programme has not been introduced overnight but has been implemented through a measured, step-by-step and scientifically driven process. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Former Chairman and Managing Director of Engineers India Limited Vartika Shukla said that ethanol blending programme was placed in the public domain for structured discussions and stakeholder consultations in 2018.

She added that the initiative is backed by scientific evidence, extensive testing by automobile manufacturers, the Automotive Research Association of India and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

Speaking on the occasion, Country Head and Executive Vice President of Toyota Kirloskar Motors Vikram Gulati said that ethanol is a clean fuel which offers good drivability and acceleration. He added that in an era when people are facing the issue of climate change, this is a zero-carbon fuel derived from plants

Maruti Suzuki Executive Officer Rahul Bharti stated that there are more myths than facts circulating on social media regarding E20 fuel. He emphasized that their vehicles are being manufactured specifically to be compatible with E20 petrol. He noted that using petrol with a 20% ethanol blend does not adversely affect the vehicle’s engine. Addressing concerns about mileage, he acknowledged a marginal 3% drop in fuel efficiency with E20 petrol but highlighted that there are several benefits associated with it as well.
.(UPDATED ON 4TH JUNE 2026)