New Delhi: The government has prohibited the blending of ethanol with diesel, citing concerns over fire and safety risks. According to the government, ethanol’s lower flash point can increase the risk of ignition during the handling, storage and transportation of fuel.
Responding to a separate question, Union minister Suresh Gopi said the government has not taken any decision to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20% level (E20).
Gopi said the phased implementation of the ethanol-blended petrol programme involved the NITI Aayog, vehicle manufacturers, oil marketing companies (OMCs), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and other technical institutions.
He said E20 fuel had undergone laboratory and field trials covering engine durability, vehicle performance, starting capability, corrosion resistance, material compatibility, emissions and fuel efficiency.
According to the government, these studies have established that E20 is safe for use under prescribed standards. It also said no significant difference in performance or abnormal wear had been observed in older vehicles due to E20.
Gopi stressed that any future decision to increase ethanol blending beyond 20% would be taken only after detailed scientific and technical studies and consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including vehicle manufacturers, oil marketing companies and research institutions.
The government said E19-E20 fuel has been in use for more than two and a half years, while E15+ petrol has been widely used for more than three and a half years.
