India's ethanol blending program has saved nearly Rs 1.9 lakh crore in crude oil imports and reduced emissions by 930 lakh tonnes of CO2 equivalent, according to former IOCL chairman B Ashok. In an interview, he said the program also added Rs 1,60,000 crore in farmer income. He dismissed concerns that E20 fuel damages engines or reduces mileage, citing years of testing by ARAI, SIAM, and IOC's research center. Passenger vehicles were tested over 40,000 km and two-wheelers over 20,000 km before rollout. Ashok also addressed claims that ethanol attracts insects or threatens food security, calling them exaggerated. He said only surplus crops and broken rice are used for ethanol, not food staples. The former chairman emphasized that automakers and insurers have confirmed E20 does not void warranties or claims. The article provides a clear case for ethanol blending as a practical decarbonization tool that also supports rural incomes and reduces import dependence.
