New Delhi: Amid growing speculation over the next phase of India’s ethanol blending programme, government sources have said there is no proposal to introduce E25 petrol at present, adding that testing is still underway and no policy decision has been taken.
Sources told India Today that there is “absolutely no need to worry” about the ongoing E20 petrol programme, adding that ethanol-blended fuel has been in use across the country for more than two-and-a-half years after extensive testing and validation.
Officials said the current rollout of ethanol-blended petrol has followed a gradual and scientifically evaluated roadmap rather than a sudden policy shift.
NO DECISION ON E25 YET
Government sources rejected reports claiming that E25 petrol has already been scheduled for rollout.
“It is absolutely false. How can E25 be scheduled when testing itself is still underway?” a government source told India Today.
According to the sources, compatibility tests for E25 fuel are still being carried out across different automobile manufacturers and vehicle models. The government is yet to receive the final test reports, and no decision on introducing E25 will be taken until the evaluation is complete.
Officials said any future increase in ethanol blending will depend entirely on scientific evidence related to vehicle safety, engine performance and long-term durability.
E20 HAS BEEN ROLLED OUT IN PHASES
The government said the current ethanol blending programme has itself been implemented gradually over the last few years.
According to officials, E15 blending began in April 2023, followed by E19 in April 2024 and E20 in April 2025.
Sources said every stage of the transition was introduced only after detailed consultations with automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies and technical experts.
“The transition has been gradual and based on technical assessments,” a source said.
OVER 20 CRORE TWO-WHEELERS USING ETHANOL-BLENDED PETROL
Government sources said ethanol-blended petrol is already being used by nearly 20 crore petrol-powered two-wheelers and around 20 lakh petrol-powered four-wheelers across the country.
According to officials, the scale of adoption shows that the programme has expanded significantly without widespread technical concerns.
The sources added that the current blending programme was rolled out only after detailed technical studies involving vehicle manufacturers, fuel companies and industry experts.
GOVT URGES PEOPLE NOT TO BELIEVE SPECULATION
The clarification comes amid growing discussion over whether existing vehicles would be compatible with higher ethanol blends if the blending percentage is increased in the future.
Government sources maintained that there is currently no proposal to introduce E25 petrol and urged people not to rely on speculative reports.
Officials reiterated that every stage of India’s ethanol blending programme is guided by scientific testing, regulatory approvals and technical validation.
ATTEMPTS BEING MADE TO CREATE PANIC
Government sources also alleged that misinformation around ethanol blending appeared to be part of an attempt to derail India’s push towards greater energy security.
According to the sources, the panic surrounding ethanol-blended petrol appears to be an “international conspiracy” by interests that do not want India to reduce its dependence on imported crude oil.
Officials said India is among the world’s fastest-growing crude oil markets and increasing domestic ethanol production remains a key part of the country’s long-term energy strategy.
They reiterated that any decision to move beyond the current blending level would be taken only after all scientific studies and technical assessments are completed.
