On Thursday, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi informed Parliament that the rollout of E20 fuel is based on thorough scientific validation. New Delhi was the hub of activity as the government revealed the details of the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme. The programme was implemented through a phased and consultative process involving prominent institutions such as NITI Aayog, automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies, and technical institutions like the Automotive Research Association of India and the Indian Institute of Petroleum.
According to Suresh Gopi, the introduction of higher ethanol blends was preceded by extensive consultations with stakeholders, including automobile manufacturers, component manufacturers, and testing agencies. The minister stated that laboratory studies and field trials conducted by these institutions have confirmed the safety of E20 fuel under prescribed standards. These studies, which covered parameters such as engine durability and emissions, did not reveal any significant adverse impact on vehicle performance.
The government’s assessment is grounded in both laboratory research and large-scale experience. With approximately 8 crore vehicles visiting retail outlets daily, the widespread use of E15+ blended petrol for over three-and-a-half years and E19-E20 fuel for over two-and-a-half years has yielded no verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown attributable to ethanol blending. Manufacturer service data also confirm that there is no abnormal corrosion or reduction in vehicle life due to E20 fuel.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean News