Why in the News
The Union government told Parliament that some BS-III vehicles manufactured before 2016 may need rubber parts and gasket replacements to run on E20 fuel, even as the citizens’ advocacy group Team Bharat met the Petroleum Ministry demanding continued supply of E10 petrol and raised a conflict of interest allegation against a senior minister. The overlapping developments surface the same underlying dispute over who bears the cost of India’s ethanol blending programme.
What is the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP)?
- The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) aims to blend ethanol with petrol to:
- Reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
- Lower vehicular emissions.
- Support farmers by creating demand for sugarcane and other ethanol feedstocks.
- Improve energy security and promote cleaner fuels.
- India achieved the 20% ethanol blending (E20) target in 2025-26, ahead of schedule.
Government Study on E20 Compatibility
A study conducted by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) found:
- BS-III vehicles manufactured before 2016 may require replacement of Rubber hoses, Seals, and Gaskets.
- The government stated that these replacements can generally be carried out during routine servicing.
- No major engine modifications are required for most newer cars and two-wheelers compatible with E20.
Why are Older Vehicles Affected?
- Ethanol is more corrosive than petrol and can deteriorate older rubber and polymer components.
- Older fuel systems were not designed for higher ethanol concentrations.
- Some vehicle owners have reported: Engine misfiring, Fuel leakage, Starting problems, Performance issues (though some complaints may also be linked to contaminated fuel).
[2025] Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter.
Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[A] Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
[B] Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
[C] Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
[D] Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct