🚨 Petrol Prices Twist! Govt Caps Ethanol Mix at 20%
- MediaFx
- Sep 20
- 2 min read
TL;DR: Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has announced that India will not increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20%. The government says it’s for safety and engine reasons, but farmers, climate activists and common people are questioning whether this really helps us or just benefits oil and auto corporates.
The Indian government has officially decided to stop ethanol blending in petrol at 20%. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that going beyond this level would damage vehicle engines and reduce efficiency.
Right now, petrol in India has around 12% ethanol. The target is to reach 20% by 2025-26, but now the government has made it clear it will not move further.
What is ethanol? It’s a type of alcohol made mainly from sugarcane and food grains like maize. The aim was to cut oil imports, reduce pollution and give farmers more income. But according to the government, too much ethanol can cause issues in older cars and bikes.
Farmers’ Expectations vs Govt’s Decision
Many farmers had high hopes from this policy. Selling extra sugarcane and maize for ethanol production could have increased their income. By capping it at 20%, the government is limiting how much farmers can benefit.
Critics point out that in countries like Brazil and the US, cars run on ethanol blends as high as 85%. They are asking why India cannot go beyond 20%. The suspicion is that big auto companies do not want to upgrade engines for Indian consumers.
Who Wins, Who Loses?
This decision seems to be in favour of oil companies. Less ethanol blending means India will keep importing costly crude oil, which benefits global oil giants. Common people, on the other hand, will continue to pay high petrol prices.
From an environmental point of view, higher ethanol blending would mean less carbon emissions. But with the cap, the government looks more concerned about oil lobbies and auto companies than the environment or farmers.
The Numbers at a Glance
India imports 85% of its crude oil needs
Current petrol blend: 12% ethanol
Target: 20% by 2025-26
Beyond 20%: Govt says no
If India went beyond 20%, it could save billions in oil imports and ensure more income for farmers. But that path has been closed for now.
MediaFx People’s Take
This is another case where big corporates benefit and common people lose. Farmers’ income potential is restricted, petrol prices remain high, and the environment takes a back seat.
If countries like Brazil and the US can redesign engines for higher ethanol use, why can’t India? Instead of pushing automakers, the government has taken the easy route by limiting ethanol.
At the end of the day, it is the working class that continues to pay the price while profits of oil and auto companies grow.
💬 Do you think India should push ethanol blending beyond 20% to support farmers and reduce pollution? Share your thoughts below.
