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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-305
ANSWERED ON – 02/02/2026
ETHANOL BLENDING AND WATER CONTAMINATION
305. SHRI SAKET GOKHALE:
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of consumer complaints received regarding engine issues in non-E20
compliant vehicles since rollout of the 20 per cent blending;
(b) whether OMCs have conducted an independent audit of fuel quality at retail outlets to
prevent water contamination in ethanol-blended fuel; and
(c) the details of the compensation mechanism for consumers facing engine damage?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
(SHRI SURESH GOPI)
(a) to (c): Government and OMCs have noticed certain media reports/social media postings and
concerns relating to the use of E20 fuel. The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) constituted on
26.12.2020 under NITI Aayog had, inter-alia, examined various aspects of vehicle compatibility
and mileage. This assessment was also supported by research studies conducted by Indian Oil
Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), and the
Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Extensive field trials on vehicles with E20
fuel did not indicate any compatibility issue or any negative effect of E20. These studies have
confirmed that even legacy vehicles do not exhibit any significant variations in performance, nor
do they show abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20 fuel. No issues were reported in
parameters such as drivability, startability, metal compatibility, and plastic compatibility. Only in
case of certain older vehicles, some rubber parts and gaskets may require replacement if blended
fuel was used. This replacement is inexpensive and can be easily managed during routine
servicing. It may need to be done once in the life time of the vehicle and is a simple process to be
carried out at any authorized workshop.
To prevent water contamination in ethanol-blended fuel, Oil Marketing Companies
(OMCs) follows standard operating procedures while handling ethanol blended fuel. On receipt of
product from supply location presence of water is checked in the tank truck to rule out any traces
of water in the product received at retail outlet. Further, on daily basis presence of water in the
storages tanks of the retail outlets is mandatorily checked by the dealer and record of the same is
maintained. In case presence of water is detected in the storage tank, supply from such tank is
stopped and necessary action for removal of water is taken.
The concerns including concern of engine damage have been duly addressed through the
appropriate channels in line with this Ministry's response issued through the PIB release dated
12.08.2025 and the Joint Press Release issued by the Society of Indian Automobile
Manufacturers, the Automotive Research Association of India, and the Federation of Indian
Petroleum Industry on 30.08.2025, wherein it has been clarified that the use of E20 fuel has no
impact on a vehicle's warranty. Automobile Manufacturers have engaged with vehicle owners to
provide them any support that may be warranted to ensure optimum performance of vehicles.
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