Why is India’s ethanol-blended fuel policy facing consumer backlash?

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Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST SINGAPORE: Earlier this month, Indian YouTuber Manish Kashyap posted a video in which he alleged that India’s new fuel blend - with increased ethanol - had caused his Toyota Innova multi-purpose vehicle to break down. The automaker denied the allegations and pointed to fuel contamination. A criminal case has been registered against Kashyap with the Nagpur Cyber Police for allegedly spreading misinformation, local media reported.

The incident sparked a wave of similar claims by motorists on social media. Some displayed fuel drained from their tanks that had visibly separated layers and claimed that the blend had damaged their vehicles.India’s decision to up the amount of ethanol in petrol to 20 per cent last year, and to make that fuel blend the standard choice for motorists since April has caused a furore in the country, transforming what was once a technical energy policy into a heated consumer controversy.

The government has promoted the fuel, called E20, to reduce its dependence on imported crude oil, increase farmers’ earnings and cut vehicle emissions. Ethanol is derived mainly from sugarcane and grains, which the country produces domestically.The move, originally targeted for 2030, came five years ahead of schedule.

Previously, the maximum amount of ethanol in petrol in the country was 10 per cent. CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less Supporters of Indian Youth Congress hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against government’s 20-per-cent ethanol-blended fuel policy, in New Delhi, India, Jul 10, 2026. (Photo: Reuters/Anushree Fadnavis) The accelerated transition has triggered concerns over mileage losses, compatibility with older vehicles and the limited availability of pure petrol