India’s government is facing calls to consider reintroducing fuel that has an ethanol blend of less than 20%, as worries grow about possible damage to older cars and motorcycles in the country. The suggestion comes from V Anantha Nageswaran, the Chief Economic Advisor of India.
Last year, India implemented a new E20 fuel blend, which became the only type of fuel available at gas stations starting April 1. This shift aimed to reduce both crude oil imports and pollution levels. However, many people have expressed concerns about how this new fuel blend might affect the performance of older vehicles, prompting suggestions for the return of lower ethanol blends, such as E10, which contains 10% ethanol.
In a recent opinion piece for The Indian Express, Nageswaran argued for restoring options like E10 at fuel stations to address public concerns. He believes this move could both ease worries among drivers and lead to a more sustainable approach to fuel usage while the vehicle upgrade program progresses.
Nageswaran stands out as the first significant government figure to advocate for a wider variety of fuel options for drivers in India. The introduction of the E20 fuel blend aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to cut down on pollution and decrease reliance on gasoline and diesel, as India ranks as the third-largest importer of crude oil in the world.
However, in a statement made by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas last month, officials dismissed the idea of offering pure gasoline (E0) or E10 alongside E20, citing operational and logistical challenges.
This weekend, Indian Oil Corporation, the country’s largest state-owned refiner, reaffirmed its commitment to E20 fuel. They highlighted that E20 is contributing to a cleaner future and reducing dependence on imported crude oil, while also providing support to India’s agricultural sector.
