E20 Debate Heats Up: CEA Wants E10 Back for Older Vehicles
What Happened
Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran has proposed bringing back E10 petrol (10% ethanol blend) for older vehicles, particularly the estimated 75-80 million pre-BS-IV two-wheelers that may face compatibility issues with E20 fuel. He argued that offering both E10 and E20 would protect older vehicles while easing public concerns. Nageswaran also urged policymakers to carefully assess the food-versus-fuel trade-off, warning that higher ethanol blending could increase pressure on crops, land, and water resources.
Key Takeaways
The proposal has met resistance because the government has already made E20 the standard fuel and has previously ruled out selling multiple petrol grades due to cost and logistical challenges. The debate is now shifting from engine performance concerns to broader questions about energy security, food production, and resource use.