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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is facing mounting anger over a mandatory 20% ethanol-blended fuel policy, with vehicle owners demanding choice and an opposition politician asking carmakers Maruti Suzuki and Toyota to provide clarity.
The 20% ethanol-blended petrol, called E20, became the only fuel sold at India’s 90,000 petrol pumps at the end of last year, triggering a public uproar that however dissipated within weeks.
But it’s now again at the centre of controversy after a top government lawyer called E20 an “experiment” in court – and then backtracked on the comments – re-igniting concerns about the fuel affecting the performance of cars and what critics called its hasty rollout.
Hundreds of motorists have posted complaints on X alleging reduced fuel efficiency and increased wear and tear of car parts from E20. One of the main complaints is that they have no option to buy unblended petrol if they prefer.
While countries like Brazil have paced ethanol blend increases over decades, the U.S. has capped its standard blend at E10 and sells higher blends only as an option for compatible vehicles.
In India, however, E20 fuel replaced E10 nationwide in 2025, well ahead of its 2030 deadline, even though E20-compliant cars only began hitting the roads in 2023.
More details: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/backlash-ethanol-blend-fuel-intensifies-india-puts-carmakers-dock-2026-07-08/