New Delhi, 23 July (H.S.): The Central Government has once again stated that E20 petrol is safe for use and that there is no evidence of large-scale engine damage caused by its use. Based on scientific evidence, the government has confirmed the safety and performance of E20 petrol, which is a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol, stating that it is completely safe and effective.

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi provided this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. In his response, Gopi said that scientific studies and field data have not found any significant impact of E20 petrol on vehicle performance. He added that concerns raised through media reports and social media platforms had also been examined.

Suresh Gopi said the government’s assessment is based not only on laboratory research but also on extensive experience gained after nationwide implementation of E20 petrol. He stated that around 80 million vehicles visit retail petrol stations across the country every day, with nearly 80 per cent of them being petrol-powered vehicles.

He said the transition towards E20 has also delivered significant national-level benefits. Ethanol-blended petrol has resulted in foreign exchange savings of more than Rs 1.97 lakh crore. According to the minister, the initiative has also helped replace around 31.6 million metric tonnes of crude oil, reduce nearly 95.2 million metric tonnes of carbon emissions, and transfer benefits worth over Rs 1.66 lakh crore to farmers.

The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas also said that the government is not making any firm commitment regarding a reduction in petrol and diesel prices. He cited the sharp fluctuations in global crude oil prices due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia and said that government-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) have suffered significant losses because of the situation.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar