New Delhi, July 10: The Centre is planning to introduce E85 fuel at a price about ₹20 per litre lower than standard E20 petrol as part of its efforts to promote ethanol blending and provide relief to consumers, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said.
Speaking in an interview with a private news channel, Puri said the proposed E85 fuel will be made available only for vehicles specifically designed to run on the higher ethanol blend.
The minister said the initiative is intended to make cleaner fuel more affordable while accelerating the government’s ethanol blending programme, a key component of India’s strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut emissions.
Defending the government’s biofuel policy, Puri dismissed concerns over engine damage and vehicle performance associated with ethanol-blended petrol. He said vehicles designed for higher ethanol blends can safely use E85 fuel without affecting performance.
The proposed rollout of E85 fuel is expected to further strengthen the government’s push towards cleaner and domestically produced fuels while offering lower fuel costs to eligible vehicle owners. No timeline for the launch of E85 fuel has been announced. (Agencies)
