The central government confirmed that after scientific investigation and extensive trials, E20 fuel has been found to be safe, which helps in reducing dependence on crude oil. ...read more

The issue of E20 blended petrol is sparking widespread debate. The central government defended the E20 blending program in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, July 30, stating, "There is no evidence that E20 has caused any abnormal vehicle wear and tear."

According to a report by news agency PTI, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said in a written reply, 'These studies also revealed that there was no significant change in the performance of old vehicles nor was any abnormal wear and tear observed due to E20.'

Many big companies have given green certificate to E20 petrol

Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said, 'The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme was introduced after scientific scrutiny and approval from NITI Aayog.

The testing process on E20 petrol was initiated in phases after consultations with automobile manufacturers, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and other technical bodies.

Minister of State Suresh Gopi further said, 'Extensive lab testing and field trials conducted by ARAI, SIAM, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Indian Institute of Petroleum and automobile manufacturing companies have proved that E20 fuel is safe for use if it meets the prescribed standards.'

Efforts to reduce dependence on petrol

The government said petrol prices are determined by market factors, including global crude oil prices, exchange rates, transportation costs, taxes, cost of purchasing ethanol and other operational expenses.

The total loss on petrol was estimated at around Rs 21,300 crore as retail fuel prices remained lower than market-linked prices.

Suresh Gopi said, 'During the West Asia crisis, global crude oil prices increased sharply, but due to timely measures taken by the Indian government, procurement of oil from different sources and increasing contribution of indigenously produced biofuels, consumers did not face any problems.'

The Minister of State said, 'The use of ethanol blending is strategically important given India's heavy dependence on crude oil imports amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia.'

 PC : Jagran