The Government of India has reaffirmed that its Ethanol Blending Programme and E20 petrol are scientifically validated and continuously monitored. Officials rejected viral social media claims about engine damage, insect attraction, or insurance issues, calling them misleading. The programme, which blends 20% ethanol with petrol, has saved over Rs 1.4 lakh crore in crude oil imports and supports farmers by creating demand for sugarcane, maize, and broken rice. Ethanol blending is a key part of India's strategy to cut fossil fuel use and lower carbon emissions. The government says modern vehicles are designed to handle ethanol's properties, and fuel-grade ethanol undergoes industrial processing that removes any residual sugars. Countries like Brazil, the US, and Japan already use similar blends. The clarification aims to counter misinformation and maintain public confidence in the programme as India expands its clean energy initiatives.
