Industry experts highlighted that the shift towards ethanol blending in petrol has been a methodical and scientific progression rather than an abrupt change. By 2023, both vehicles and fuel will be required to use E20 petrol, replacing the previous E10 mandate. Rahul Bharti from Maruti Suzuki India Limited addressed concerns about ethanol usage in cars, emphasizing the regulatory shift. Vartika Shukla, former Chairman of Engineers India Ltd, noted the successful completion of the E20 blending program ahead of schedule in December 2025.
The ethanol blending initiative, aimed at achieving 20% blending (E20), began when the country was blending only 1.5% ethanol in gasoline. Shukla emphasized that the program was meticulously planned, involving input from various stakeholders and rigorous testing by automotive manufacturers and relevant agencies. Vikram Gulati from Toyota Kirloskar Motor highlighted the stringent quality and performance standards in the automotive industry, emphasizing the thorough testing and certification processes for vehicles and fuels.
Gulati further underscored the importance of transitioning to zero-carbon fuels like ethanol, derived from plants, as part of the industry’s response to climate change challenges. The move towards E20 petrol aligns with global best practices to reduce carbon emissions, reflecting a collective effort towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
