Toyota's Vikram Gulati says E20 ethanol program is safe and key to India's energy security and farmer income

Toyota's Vikram Gulati has stated that India's E20 ethanol blending program is safe and plays a critical role in the country's energy security and farmer income. The program, which mandates 20% ethanol blending in petrol, aims to reduce oil imports and support agricultural revenue. Gulati emphasized that the technology is proven and the fuel is compatible with existing vehicles, addressing concerns about engine safety and performance. The E20 initiative is part of India's broader push to lower carbon emissions from transport and cut dependence on imported crude. By creating a steady demand for ethanol, the program also provides a stable income source for farmers growing sugarcane and other feedstock. The article notes that Toyota has been testing E20 compatibility in its flex-fuel vehicles and sees the policy as a practical step toward decarbonizing the transport sector without requiring a full switch to electric vehicles. Critics have raised questions about water use and land competition for ethanol feedstock, but the article does not address those trade-offs. The core takeaway is that a major automaker is publicly backing the policy, which could influence other manufacturers and accelerate fuel blending targets. For anyone tracking India's low-carbon fuel strategy, this is a signal that the industry is aligning with the government's timeline.