| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| E20 Fuel | A blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. Ethanol is an alcohol-based biofuel made from sugarcane, maize, and other crops. |
| Purpose | Reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and boost income for farmers. |
| Net Zero Target | Supports India's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070. |
| Environmental Gains | Ethanol emits far less CO₂ than petrol. From 2014-15 to July 2025, ethanol blending saved 736 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions (equivalent to planting 30 crore trees). |
| Economic Savings | Saved ₹1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange, replaced 245 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil imports. At 20% blending, projected ₹43,000 crore annual forex savings. |
| Farmers' Support | Annual payments to farmers expected to reach ₹40,000 crore, cleared sugarcane payment arrears, and improved market viability for maize cultivation. |
| Mileage & Performance | E20-ready vehicles show better acceleration and smoother rides. Carbon emissions are 30% lower compared to E10 fuel. Higher octane rating improves engine performance. Mileage drop for E10 vehicles is marginal. |
| Vehicle Compatibility | E20 meets all BIS and automotive standards. Older vehicles may need earlier replacement of rubber seals and gaskets. Global examples like Brazil's E27 fuel show feasibility. |
| Cost & Insurance | Ethanol prices sometimes higher than refined petrol. Insurance validity remains unaffected by E20 use. |
| Future Plans | E20 fuel to continue until October 31, 2026. Future blending beyond 20% will involve consultations with automakers, ethanol producers, and experts. |

