The Centre on Friday acknowledged that petrol blended with 20% ethanol (E20) can reduce fuel economy by 3-5% in some vehicles, but said the impact is outweighed by benefits such as better engine performance, lower emissions and reduced dependence on imported crude oil.
In a detailed FAQ issued to counter criticism of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said E20 is a "cleaner, higher-quality and more efficient fuel" than E10 or conventional petrol. It added that the nationwide rollout came after years of scientific testing, consultations with automobile manufacturers and expansion of domestic ethanol production.
