Government to Reconsider E25 Petrol Rollout Amid Concerns Over E20 Transition

Government to Slow Down E25 Petrol Rollout Amid Concerns Over E20 Transition

The Indian government is likely to slow down the proposed transition to petrol blended with 25 percent ethanol following concerns over the rapid rollout of E20 fuel, according to a recent report by The Indian Express.

The Centre is learnt to favour a calibrated and graded introduction of E25, which contains 75 percent petrol and 25 percent ethanol, to give automakers and the wider fuel ecosystem more time to prepare. This move comes after two recent policy decisions had raised expectations that the government was preparing to move beyond E20. The Centre granted an excise duty exemption to petrol containing 22-30 percent ethanol, while the Bureau of Indian Standards notified specifications for such blends.

A meeting held at senior levels of the government last week discussed the need to scientifically address concerns raised by vehicle owners over mileage, performance, and possible damage to components. Officials acknowledged that some complaints were considered "overblown," but recognized the need for original equipment manufacturers to respond to consumers.