What is E-20 Fuel?

E-20 Fuel Latest News

India’s auto industry lobby has said that carmakers will continue to honour warranties even if older vehicles, not originally designed for higher ethanol fuels, use E20 fuel, Reuters reported recently.

About E-20 Fuel

Automotive fuel blends comprising 20% ethanol and 80% gasoline are referred to as E20 fuel. 

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What is Ethanol Blending?

• Ethanol blending is a process of mixing or blending ethanol, a renewable biofuel, with petrol to create a cleaner and more sustainable fuel. 
• Since ethanol is a viable biofuel that can be derived by processing biomass sources such as sugarcane, the practice of ethanol blending has largely reduced India’s dependence on fossil fuels and the high-value import of crude oil.
• Moreover, by adding ethanol to petrol, the oxygen content of fuel is increased, leading to lower emissions and cleaner burning. 
• Additionally, since ethanol in India is largely derived from sugarcane molasses, rice, maize, and other agricultural sources, ethanol blending has also elevated the agricultural sector in India. 
• With ethanol-blended petrol, India aims to tackle its ever-increasing fossil fuel dependence in a greener and more sustainable way.

India’s Journey of Ethanol Blending

• With several countries widely adopting ethanol blending, India’s journey towards achieving ethanol-blended petrol began in 2003, when the Government of India officially launched its Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. 
• Since then, the ethanol blending in India has come a long way, achieving a 10% ethanol blend target in 2021-22, which was further increased to 12.06% in 2022-23, 14.06% in 2023-24, and 20% in July 2025, which was initially set to be achieved by 2030. 

What is Ethanol?

• Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a type of alcohol that is commonly used in various applications. 
• It is a clear, colourless liquid with a characteristic odour and taste. 
• Ethanol has the chemical formula C2H5OH and is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. 
• Pure ethanol is nontoxic and biodegradable, and if spilled, they break down into harmless substances. 
• However, fuel ethanol contains denaturants to make fuel ethanol undrinkable.
• How is ethanol sourced?
  • Ethanol can be produced from various sources, but it is often derived from renewable resources such as crops like corn, sugarcane, barley, and wheat.
  • It can also be produced from cellulosic materials like agricultural residues and wood.

Source: BS