India’s Chief Economic Adviser Calls for Return of E10 Petrol
The chief economic adviser said a lower-ethanol option would ease concerns over engine performance and protect 75 million to 80 million older two-wheelers.
- On Monday, Chief Economic Advisor Anantha Nageswaran urged the government to restore E10 fuel options at pumps alongside E20, aiming to protect older vehicles while retrofit programs catch up.
- India mandated the E20 fuel blend last year to reduce oil imports and curb pollution, but a July 5 LocalCircles poll found 53% of vehicle owners labeled the government's handling as "disastrous" or "ineffective".
- Nageswaran and consultant Akash Poojari cited risks to 75 million to 80 million older two-wheelers, though the government maintains the "energy penalty is around 6% to 7%" and denies engine damage risks.
- On July 10, the Union government ruled out restoring E10, stating that maintaining multiple base fuel streams "ignores the realities" of the country's vast distribution network.
- Retrofitting 75 million to 80 million two-wheelers with ethanol-compatible seals will take years, even if every workshop starts immediately, leaving millions reliant on fuel that potentially damages carburettor-based engines.
28 Articles
28 Articles
The Indian government is applying for the introduction of the petrol-ethanol mixture as a contribution to the fight against climate change and to the country's economic autonomy. However, many on the streets are not convinced.
Govt adviser bats for E10 petrol to protect older vehicles
A government adviser has called for India to reintroduce a petrol variant with a lower ethanol blend, such as E10, alongside the current E20 fuel. This move aims to protect millions of older vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, which may experience performance issues and damage from the higher 20 per cent ethanol blend.
E20 petrol row: Bring back lower blend of ethanol fuel at pumps, says Chief Economic Adviser Nageswaran
While the article said available evidence does not substantiate concerns that E20 is damaging engines, it acknowledged potential problems involving older vehicles. "India has roughly 75 to 80 million older two-wheelers ... older rubber seals that are not rated for ethanol are a separate problem ... retrofitting those seals... that way will take years," the opinion piece said.
India’s Chief Economic Adviser Calls for Return of E10 Petrol
India’s government should consider bringing back fuel with ethanol blending content lower than 20% amid concerns about potential damage to the old vehicle and two-wheeler fleet in the world’s most populous country, the government’s chief economic adviser said. In a bid to lower crude oil imports and reduce pollution, India last year introduced the E20 fuel blend, which as of April 1 is the only type of fuel available at gas stations througho…
India continues to discuss the currently only available superfuel E20.
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