Government notifies use of E20 fuel for two-wheelers and cars, says it will reduce Carbon Monoxide emission

The Government of India has notified the use of E20, a blend of 20% Ethanol with 80% gasoline, as fuel for vehicles.  The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued a notification in this regard on later Monday.

"MORTH has notified the use of E20, a blend of 20% Ethanol with 80% gasoline, as automotive fuel, and issued mass emission standards for the same," said the Ministry of Road and Transport in a statement.

The decision has been taken after considering the studies that suggest E20 decreases Carbon Monoxide emission.  The Ministry of Road and Transport explaining the rationale behind the decision tweeted, " During studies, it has been observed that E20 decreases the Carbon Monoxide and Hydrocarbons emissions significantly compared to normal gasoline in two-wheelers and four-wheelers."

Regarding use of ethanol blend in vehicles, the ministry said that the compatibility of a vehicle with the level of ethanol blend of E20 shall be defined by the vehicle manufacturer. It will also have to be displayed on a vehicle by putting a clearly visible sticker, it said.  

Earlier in December 2020, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has published a draft notification seeking comments from the public for adoption of E20 fuel as an automotive fuel and for the adoption of mass emission standards for this fuel.  

The notification facilitates the development of E20 compliant vehicles. "It will also help in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, etc. It will help reduce the oil import bill, thereby saving foreign exchange and boosting energy security," said the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.  

The compatibility of the vehicle to the percentage of ethanol in the blend of ethanol and gasoline shall be defined by the vehicle manufacturer and the same shall be displayed on the vehicle by putting a clearly visible sticker, it had said on earlier occasion too.