Union Oil Minister Puri Rejects Allegations on E20 Engine Impact
Oil Minister defends E20 petrol, calls critics’ claims nonsense.
Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has vehemently dismissed claims that biofuels, specifically petrol blended with 20% ethanol (E20), damage automobile engines, labeling such assertions as “utter nonsense” during his address at KPMG’s ENRich 2025 energy conclave in New Delhi on September 16, 2025. Puri emphasized that E20, derived from sugarcane or foodgrains, is environmentally safe and poses no threat to vehicle performance when used correctly.
Addressing concerns raised by some motorists and initial statements from carmakers about E20’s compatibility with older vehicles, Puri clarified that any issues are minor and easily resolved. “Older vehicles may need simple replacements of rubber parts or gaskets,” he noted, dismissing fears as unfounded. He pointed out that all 90,000-plus petrol pumps in India now exclusively sell E20, a significant leap from the 1.4% ethanol blend in 2014 to the current 20%, with plans to evaluate further steps cautiously.
Puri challenged anecdotal claims, such as those from an automobile engineer citing reduced efficiency in newer vehicles, suggesting external factors like traffic conditions in cities like Gurugram or Delhi could explain performance issues rather than the fuel itself. He stressed the critical role of biofuels in reducing India’s 88% dependency on imported oil, especially as the International Energy Agency projects India’s energy demand to grow three times faster than the global average over the next two decades.
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The minister also highlighted India’s economic growth, noting the rise of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) from 700 in 2010 to 1,800 today, employing 1.9 million professionals and generating $65 billion annually. By 2030, this is expected to reach 2,200 GCCs, 2.8 million jobs, and over $100 billion in revenue, underscoring the need for sustainable energy solutions like E20 to support India’s expanding economy.
Responding to social media debates about E20’s impact, Puri’s ministry recently clarified that the fuel causes only a marginal 1-2% mileage drop in vehicles designed for E10 and calibrated for E20, and 3-6% in others, while offering improved acceleration. The ministry accused critics of spreading misinformation to derail the national program, which aims to cut emissions and boost farmers’ incomes. Addressing a 2021 NITI Aayog report cited online, which raised concerns about E20 degrading rubber or plastic parts, Puri reiterated that such issues are minor and manageable.
India’s push for E20 aligns with its broader clean energy goals, balancing environmental sustainability with economic and agricultural benefits, while Puri’s outspoken defense seeks to quell doubts and keep the program on track.
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