Government clarifies E25 fuel is only under testing, no rollout decision yet
The Centre has clarified that E25 petrol, which contains 25 per cent ethanol and 75 per cent petrol, is only undergoing testing and no decision has been taken on its commercial rollout, amid growing public concerns over higher ethanol blending in fuel.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a detailed set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address misconceptions surrounding ethanol-blended fuels, explaining the differences between E10, E20, E25 and E85 and their compatibility with vehicles.
The government reiterated that E20 petrol has already been introduced across the country as part of India's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme to reduce crude oil imports, improve energy security and lower carbon emissions. Officials said vehicles manufactured in recent years have been designed to operate on E20 fuel, while older vehicles may experience minor variations in mileage depending on their compatibility.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stressed that reports suggesting an imminent rollout of E25 fuel are incorrect, stating that the blend is currently being evaluated and no policy decision has been made on introducing it for public use.
The FAQs also explain that E85 fuel, containing 85 per cent ethanol, is intended only for specially designed flex-fuel vehicles and cannot be used in conventional petrol vehicles.
The clarification comes amid debates over fuel efficiency, engine compatibility and the future of India's ethanol blending roadmap. The government maintains that the ethanol programme will continue to be implemented in a phased manner based on scientific testing and stakeholder consultations.
