The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the government’s rollout of E20 petrol , a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol. The petition argued that motorists should have the option of ethanol-free fuel, especially those driving vehicles manufactured before 2023, which may not be fully compatible with higher ethanol blends. A Bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran upheld the Centre's stand, which claimed that E20 not only supports sugarcane farmers but also helps reduce fossil fuel dependence and emissions. The ruling clears the path for nationwide adoption of E20 petrol by 2025.

Why Supreme Court dismissed the plea against E20 Petrol
The plea was filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra, who argued that older vehicles, including some BS-VI compliant models, are not suited to run on E20. Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat said consumers deserved the choice of ethanol-free petrol (E0) or at least clearer labelling of ethanol content at fuel pumps. The Central government opposed the petition, with Attorney General R Venkataramani stressing that the policy benefits sugarcane farmers and contributes to energy independence. The Court accepted the government’s reasoning, calling the shift to E20 a “logical progression”.


What does E20 Petrol rollout mean for your vehicle

• Compatibility with New Vehicles: All vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are specifically engineered to run efficiently on E20 petrol without requiring any modifications, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
• Impact on Older Vehicles: Older vehicles, particularly those made before 2023, may experience a 5–7% reduction in fuel efficiency , as documented in the 2021 NITI Aayog report, due to ethanol's lower energy density compared to pure petrol.
• Potential Wear in Non-Compliant Models: Vehicles compliant with earlier emission standards like BS3 and BS4 may be prone to issues such as corrosion of fuel lines and premature wear of seals and pumps because these components were not originally designed to handle higher ethanol concentrations.
• Nationwide Rollout Timeline: The government has planned for E20 petrol to be available nationwide by 2025, marking a significant step toward reducing fossil fuel dependency and promoting cleaner energy.
• Consumer Safety and Awareness: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) confirms E20 poses no safety hazards, and the Supreme Court has mandated that fuel stations must clearly label the ethanol content on fuel pumps to keep consumers fully informed.

Effects of ethanol petrol (E20)
Ethanol is a renewable biofuel, mainly derived from sugarcane and grains. Blending ethanol with petrol reduces India’s reliance on crude oil imports and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. E20 has a higher octane rating, which can improve combustion efficiency and reduce pollution. Because ethanol has lower energy density than petrol, it leads to reduced mileage. While modern vehicles are factory-tuned for E20, older engines may require upgrades to components like fuel lines, pumps and seals to handle its mildly corrosive properties.


Key FAQs
Is E20 available everywhere?
Not yet. Most pumps supply E10, while E20 is being introduced in select regions. Nationwide rollout is expected by 2025.

Can I use E20 in my old vehicle?
Yes, but older cars may see efficiency drops of 5–7 per cent, and some may need minor modifications.

Is ethanol-free petrol still available?
E0 is being phased out as the government prioritises ethanol blending.

Will E20 harm engines?
Not in vehicles designed for it. Older engines may face faster wear of rubber and plastic components, but safety concerns are minimal.

Why is India adopting E20?
The move cuts crude oil imports, reduces emissions, and boosts farmer incomes by increasing demand for ethanol feedstock crops such as sugarcane and grains. Government estimates suggest E20 could save around Rs. 43,000 crore in foreign exchange and generate nearly Rs. 40,000 crore for farmers annually.

Will fuel prices change with E20?
Ethanol is cheaper than petrol, but blending costs and infrastructure upgrades may offset the price benefit. The government has not announced any direct price cuts for consumers yet.

How does E20 affect emissions?
Studies show that E20 can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by up to 50 per cent and hydrocarbon emissions by around 20 per cent, though nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels may rise slightly in older engines.