The Petroleum Ministry issued a note on July 2, 2026, stating that ethanol blending in petrol is supported by extensive trials and aligns with international practices. Concerns persist on social media about engine damage and reduced mileage. Political figures including Arvind Kejriwal have voiced opposition.
The ministry cited studies from 2014 by the Automotive Research Association of India, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, the Society of Automobile Manufacturers, and Indian Oil. These assessed 20 percent ethanol blending, with no major issues found in drivability or material compatibility after extensive testing. A 20 percent blend was launched in February 2023, reaching 19.99 percent by December 2025.
Field trials covered 40,000 kilometres for cars and 20,000 kilometres for two-wheelers. The note reported only marginal mileage decline with 10 percent blends and highlighted ethanol's high octane value. It noted that the programme has substituted 310 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil and delivered payments exceeding ₹1.6 lakh crore to farmers.
Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party announced plans to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the policy as turning India into an experiment laboratory. Commentator Tehseen Poonawalla called for protests against the mandatory 20 percent blending on July 2, 2026.
