StrivefyCurrent Affairs
Economy & EnvironmentGS-III· 1 min read

E20 Fuel and Older Vehicles Concerns

Why in news?

Allegations that the Centre is coercing vehicle manufacturers to remain silent about the potential damage of E20 fuel on vehicles manufactured before 2023.

Key points

  1. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal claims E20 petrol can damage older vehicles (pre-2023) and reduce fuel efficiency.
  2. Allegation that Centre is forcing silence from automobile manufacturers.
  3. Officials from nine firms reportedly acknowledged potential issues in private discussions.
  4. E20 petrol is petrol blended with 20% ethanol.

Background & context

Ethanol blending in petrol (EBP) programme aims to reduce India's oil import dependence and promote the use of renewable energy. E10 fuel has been prevalent, and the push is towards higher blending like E20.

★ Prelims fact capsule

E20 refers to petrol blended with 20% ethanol.

✎ Mains relevance

GS Paper 3: Science and Technology (alternative fuels), Economy (energy security), Environment (renewable energy).