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India's Transport Minister Confirms Ethanol-Blended Petrol Is Safe for Cars

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. rms-ethanol-blended-petrol-is-safe-for-cars.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 8:35 GMT by The Hans India

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Ethanol Blending in Petrol: No Harm to Cars, Says Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari

India’s Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has issued a reassuring verdict on one of the country’s most debated fuel‑policy experiments: the widespread blending of ethanol into petrol. In a recent statement, he announced that scientific studies carried out by the Government’s National Mission for Enhanced Utilization of Ethanol as Fuel (NMEU) found no adverse impact on vehicles when petrol is mixed with up to 15 % ethanol (E15). The announcement follows a series of reports that aimed to dispel lingering myths that ethanol‑blended petrol degrades engine performance or shortens vehicle life.

1. The Context – Why India Is Mixing Ethanol

India’s ethanol‑blending strategy is part of a larger agenda to reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products and to mitigate greenhouse‑gas (GHG) emissions. The government has set a target of 10 % blending by 2025 and 15 % by 2030, a move that would bring India in line with global best practices for a “low‑carbon” economy.

Ethanol is produced largely from sugarcane molasses and other biomass by-products, giving farmers an extra source of income and diversifying agricultural markets. It also offers a higher octane rating than conventional petrol, which theoretically allows engines to operate more efficiently.

The National Mission for Enhanced Utilization of Ethanol as Fuel (NMEU) is the umbrella body that coordinates research, development and deployment of ethanol technologies across the country. Its website—linked in the article—provides a detailed overview of ongoing projects and funding schemes.

2. The Study That Backs Gadkari’s Claims

The core of Gadkari’s statement rests on a peer‑reviewed study carried out by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)–Delhi and the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in collaboration with NMEU. The researchers tested 15 different petrol‑car models across a range of 5‑, 10‑, and 15‑percent ethanol blends (E5, E10, and E15). They monitored:

• Engine power output
• Fuel‑consumption (km l⁻¹)
• Emissions of CO₂, CO, and HC
• Lubricity and wear indicators

The results were conclusive: the average power loss in E15 petrol was less than 2 %, and mileage reductions were under 5 % compared with pure petrol. Moreover, CO₂ emissions dropped by an average of 9 %—the “carbon‑saving” benefit that is central to India’s climate commitments.

The researchers also performed long‑term durability tests, running vehicles for 20 000 km on E15. No significant increase in wear or need for more frequent maintenance was observed. Thus, the “no adverse impact” claim is grounded in data rather than conjecture.

The original study, published in the International Journal of Energy Research, is linked in the article for readers who wish to review the methodology and results in depth.

3. Responding to Skepticism

Earlier concerns about ethanol blending were largely focused on:

1. Lower energy density – Ethanol contains about 27 % less energy per litre than petrol, which could reduce mileage.
2. Fuel system compatibility – Some older vehicles, especially diesel‑engine hybrids, were said to be vulnerable to fuel‑system corrosion.
3. Economic feasibility – Critics argued that higher fuel prices might offset the economic benefits to farmers.

Gadkari’s comments address each point:

• Lower energy density – The higher octane of ethanol actually allows for higher compression ratios in modern engines, which can offset the energy shortfall. In the study, the reduction in mileage was negligible (< 5 %).
• Fuel‑system compatibility – The research incorporated a “fuel‑system safety checklist” for all tested vehicles. No corrosion or leaks were reported.
• Economic feasibility – The government’s ethanol‑blending policy is underpinned by a robust support framework, including subsidies for biorefinery infrastructure, crop‑insurance incentives for sugarcane growers, and a “fuel‑price floor” to prevent sudden price spikes for consumers.

Gadkari also referenced an earlier government report that estimated that ethanol blending could reduce India’s GHG emissions by up to 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2030, a figure that would bring India closer to its Paris‑Agreement targets.

4. What This Means for Car Owners

For everyday drivers, the most immediate takeaway is that there is no need to worry about buying a new car or installing an aftermarket kit when switching to E15 petrol. The study found no significant effect on engine durability, and fuel efficiency losses are within the range of normal variation among car models.

The article notes that most gasoline stations across the country now carry E5 and E10. The rollout of E15 is slated to begin in selected cities by the end of 2025, with a full national rollout planned for 2030. Car manufacturers are also expected to certify their engines for E15 in the coming years, which will make the transition smoother.

5. Broader Implications and Future Outlook

Gadkari’s announcement signals a clear policy direction: India will continue to push ethanol blending as a pillar of its energy strategy. The government is already exploring additional measures such as:

• Enhanced ethanol production capacity – Incentivizing new biorefineries in the Deccan Plateau and northeastern states.
• Farmer support programs – Expanding credit lines for sugarcane farmers to invest in high‑yield varieties.
• Consumer awareness campaigns – Educating the public on the environmental benefits of ethanol fuel.

The article’s linked resources also point to the Ethanol & Society report (NMEU) that analyses the socio‑economic impact of ethanol on rural communities. According to that report, ethanol production could raise the average income of sugarcane growers by 12 % in the next five years.

6. Bottom Line

Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari’s statement—backed by rigorous scientific evidence—confirms that ethanol blending at up to 15 % poses no measurable risk to vehicle performance or longevity. In contrast, the approach promises substantial environmental and economic benefits: reduced CO₂ emissions, greater fuel security, and enhanced income for farmers. The article invites readers to consult the original study and supporting documents to understand the full technical and policy framework. As India accelerates toward its 2030 ethanol‑blending targets, car owners, industry stakeholders, and policymakers can approach the transition with confidence and clarity.