THE country sought to allay concerns over its drive to expand the use of ethanol-blended petrol after motorists complained that the biofuel could damage vehicles or affect their performance.
E20 petrol, a fuel containing 20% ethanol, has come under scrutiny after viral social media posts alleged it harms engines and raises maintenance costs in vehicles designed for lower ethanol blends.
India, which has long promoted biofuels to cut oil imports and lower emissions, has accelerated its ethanol-blending programme under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The oil ministry acknowledged yesterday that E20 could lead to a “3-5% reduction in fuel economy”, but said claims of engine damage did not “stand the test of scientific evidence”.
It said the transition to E20 had been introduced gradually and in consultation with automakers. — AFP
