📰 Daily Current Affairs | 24 June 2026

Government Defends E20 Fuel Programme

Ministry reaffirms E20 is safe; programme saved India over Rs 1.4 lakh crore in forex

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India reaffirmed on 23-24 June 2026 that the Ethanol Blending Programme is scientifically validated and continuously monitored. The programme introduced 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) from 2023 onwards.

⛽ Ethanol Blending Programme

The Ethanol Blending Programme was launched in 2003. It aims to reduce crude oil imports, improve energy security, and support environmental sustainability. The programme has saved India over Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange.

🚗 E20 Fuel and Vehicle Compatibility

E20 fuel contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol by volume. Ethanol has lower energy content per litre than petrol, and the government linked the reported mileage dip to this property rather than to vehicle damage. The government stated that no widespread cases of engine failure attributable to E20 have been reported.

📢 Public Claims and Official Clarifications

The government dismissed misleading claims circulating on social media about E20 fuel. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari challenged critics to produce a single verified instance of E20 causing vehicle issues. The government acknowledged a marginal mileage dip of 1-2% in newer cars and up to 6% in older vehicles.

⭐ Important Facts for Exams

  • Ethanol is an alcohol used as an automotive fuel and fuel additive in blended petrol.
  • E20 denotes petrol blended with 20% ethanol by volume.
  • The Ethanol Blending Programme began in India in 2003.
  • Lower mileage in ethanol-blended fuel is linked to ethanol's lower energy content per litre.
  • Foreign exchange saved by programme: over Rs 1.4 lakh crore.

📝 Practice Questions

Q1. In which year was the Ethanol Blending Programme launched in India?

a) 1995
b) 2003
c) 2010
d) 2015

✅ Correct Answer: b) 2003

Q2. What does E20 fuel contain?

a) 20% petrol and 80% ethanol
b) 20% ethanol and 80% petrol
c) 20% diesel and 80% ethanol
d) 20% CNG and 80% petrol

✅ Correct Answer: b) 20% ethanol and 80% petrol

Q3. How much foreign exchange has the Ethanol Blending Programme saved India?

a) Over Rs 50,000 crore
b) Over Rs 1.4 lakh crore
c) Over Rs 2 lakh crore
d) Over Rs 80,000 crore

✅ Correct Answer: b) Over Rs 1.4 lakh crore

Q4. What is the approximate mileage dip reported in older vehicles using E20 fuel?

a) Up to 2%
b) Up to 4%
c) Up to 6%
d) Up to 10%

✅ Correct Answer: c) Up to 6%

Q5. Why does E20 fuel result in lower mileage compared to pure petrol?

a) Because ethanol has higher energy content than petrol
b) Because ethanol has lower energy content per litre than petrol
c) Because ethanol damages the engine
d) Because E20 has impurities

✅ Correct Answer: b) Because ethanol has lower energy content per litre than petrol