The Union government has denied reports claiming that petrol blended with 25% ethanol, referred to as E25, will be introduced soon. Petroleum ministry officials said there is no decision at present to increase ethanol blending beyond the existing E20 level.
E20 petrol—petrol mixed with 20% ethanol—has been promoted to reduce the country’s crude oil imports. This fuel is currently being sold at petrol pumps across India.
In recent days, speculation spread that the Centre was planning to raise the blending ratio to 25% and launch E25 petrol. The reports also triggered public concerns that higher ethanol content could affect vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Officials rejected these fears, noting that E20 has been in use for more than two-and-a-half years after detailed tests and assessments. They said around 20 crore two-wheelers and about 20 lakh four-wheelers are already running on ethanol-blended fuel.
The ministry reiterated that any future steps would be based only on scientific testing and technical validation, and that no decision has been taken to move beyond E20 at this stage.
