Centre Rejects E25 Rollout Reports, Says No Decision Until Testing Complete

Last Updated:July 07, 2026, 13:06 IST

Officials said more than 20 crore two-wheelers and around 20 lakh four-wheelers are already running successfully on ethanol-blended petrol across the country

The Centre has dismissed reports suggesting that India is preparing to roll out E25 petrol, saying no such decision has been taken and that testing for the higher ethanol blend is still underway across multiple vehicle models.

Government sources told News18 that claims of an E25 rollout are “absolutely false", stressing that the fuel has not yet completed the extensive scientific and technical evaluation required before any policy decision can be made. “How can E25 be scheduled when testing itself is still underway?" a government source said.

The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that the government could introduce E25 petrol in phases as part of its ethanol blending programme, prompting concerns among vehicle owners about engine compatibility and long-term performance.

E20 Has Been In Use For Over Two Years

Officials stressed that India’s ethanol blending programme has always been introduced gradually after extensive validation rather than through abrupt policy decisions.

According to government sources, E15 blending has been operational since April 2023. “E19 blending was implemented through the year beginning April 2024. E20 blending has been underway since April 2025, following phased implementation over the previous two-and-a-half years."

They said the transition to E20 was preceded by detailed testing involving automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies and technical experts to ensure vehicle safety and engine compatibility.

On Tuesday, officials said more than 20 crore two-wheelers and around 20 lakh four-wheelers are already running on ethanol-blended petrol across the country.

No Decision On E25 Until Testing Ends

Sources said E25 compatibility testing is currently being carried out across different automobile brands and vehicle segments.

The government has not yet received the final results of these studies, and no policy decision will be taken until all testing is complete.

Officials said any future increase in ethanol blending will depend entirely on scientific evidence related to vehicle safety, engine performance, fuel efficiency, long-term durability, and manufacturer validation. “There is no proposal under implementation for E25 at present," sources said, urging people not to rely on speculative reports circulating online.

Why The Government Is Pushing Ethanol

India’s ethanol blending programme is a key pillar of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower fuel import bills and cut carbon emissions.

The Centre has steadily increased ethanol blending over the past few years under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, achieving the target of 20 per cent ethanol blending (E20) ahead of schedule. Ethanol, produced largely from sugarcane and food grains in India, is expected to improve energy security while providing additional income opportunities for farmers.

Officials noted that India is among the world’s fastest-growing crude oil consumers, accounting for roughly 30 per cent of global growth in crude oil demand, making diversification of transport fuels a strategic priority.

‘Attempts Being Made To Create Panic’

Government sources also alleged that misinformation surrounding ethanol-blended fuel is being amplified to undermine India’s push towards energy independence.

According to the sources, there appears to be an “international conspiracy" by vested interests that do not want India to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Officials claimed that the rollout of E85 fuel for flex-fuel vehicles has unsettled sections of the global crude oil and battery ecosystem, with foreign lobbies allegedly funding misleading campaigns and fake videos aimed at creating panic among Indian consumers.

Backlash Over E20

The clarification comes amid ongoing concerns raised by some automobile owners and industry experts over higher ethanol blends.

Some users have questioned whether older vehicles are fully compatible with E20 fuel, while certain manufacturers have advised consumers to use ethanol blends recommended for their specific models. Concerns have also been raised over fuel economy, engine wear and maintenance costs, particularly in vehicles not originally designed for higher ethanol content.

The government, however, maintains that E20 was introduced only after comprehensive testing and that its implementation was phased to allow both automakers and consumers adequate time to adapt.

What’s Next?

Officials reiterated that no decision has been taken on E25 and that any future increase in ethanol blending will follow the same approach adopted for E20—scientific testing, regulatory approval and technical validation.

Until those studies are completed, the government said, reports claiming an imminent rollout of E25 are incorrect.

About the Author

Pallavi Ghosh

Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. S...Read More

News india Centre Rejects E25 Rollout Reports, Says No Decision Until Testing Complete

Read More