By Kavita Mistry 
The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought to halt the rollout of E20 petrol, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. The petition argued that motorists, especially those with older vehicles, should have the option of ethanol-free fuel. A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran sided with the Centre, stating that E20 supports farmers, reduces emissions, and cuts dependence on fossil fuels. The ruling paves the way for nationwide adoption by 2025.
Why the Petition Failed
Advocate Akshay Malhotra, who filed the plea, argued that older vehicles, including some BS-VI models, were not fully compatible with E20. He demanded either ethanol-free petrol availability or clear fuel pump labelling. The government countered that ethanol blending was a “logical progression” toward energy independence and a cleaner future. Attorney General R Venkataramani also highlighted the programme’s direct benefits to sugarcane farmers. The Court ultimately backed this stance.
What It Means for Vehicle Owners
- New Vehicles (post-April 2023): Fully compatible with E20, no modifications needed.
- Older Vehicles (pre-2023): May experience a 5–7% drop in fuel efficiency, as per NITI Aayog studies, due to ethanol’s lower energy density.
- Very Old Models (BS3 & BS4): Could face issues such as corrosion in fuel lines and faster wear of seals and pumps.
Despite these concerns, SIAM has confirmed that E20 poses no safety risks. To aid consumer awareness, fuel pumps will be required to clearly label ethanol content.
Why E20 Matters
Ethanol, a renewable biofuel from crops like sugarcane and maize, reduces India’s crude oil import bill and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. E20 also has a higher octane rating, which improves combustion efficiency. Government data suggests the shift could save ₹43,000 crore in forex and generate ₹40,000 crore annually for farmers, while reducing carbon monoxide emissions by up to 50%.