E20’s a great switch, but there are riders

India’s ethanol programme is no vanity project. The goal of blending 20% ethanol in petrol was achieved last month, five years ahead of target. Enthused, GoI is now planning a nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) by year-end, along with a target of E30 by 2030. However, the rising share of ethanol in the blending programme – from 1.53% in 2014 to 20% in just 10 years – is facing pushback from the petroleum lobby. It has also sparked concerns among vehicle owners and food policy experts about its impact on fuel efficiency and food security. Questions have been raised about the mechanical readiness of existing vehicles to use E20, and a PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the rollout.