Hardeep Singh Puri NEW DELHI: Seeking to allay public fears over ethanol-blended fuel, petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri Thursday said a “make-believe” narrative had been unleashed on social media over the past few days.Addressing a press conference, the minister said the reduction in mileage of an E20-fuelled vehicle is “minor”. “It is well established that when you have ethanol in a vehicle, which they use in racing cars also, the acceleration increases, knocking improves. Mileage may drop a little, but it can happen because of many other reasons also,” he said. Puri added that insurance companies had also issued clarifications regarding vehicle coverage.Puri said his ministry had compiled a 15-page note tracing the journey of ethanol blending, listing the countries where it is practised. The note will also answer people’s concerns.The note stated that “misleading videos, selectively edited clips and sensational social media posts” were being circulated with the objective of “creating fear amongst vehicle owners” regarding the use of E20 fuel.Puri said India adopted 20% ethanol blending in petrol after consulting all stakeholders, including SIAM and ARAI, and would move to 25% blending only after completing all necessary tests. The minister said the concept of ethanol blending was not new and prominent car maker Henry Ford called it the “fuel of the future”.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnesco Warns Pakistan Over ‘Reconstructions’ At Taxila, Threatens Danger ListNHAI Under Fire As Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Develops Major Potholes 3 Months After Inauguration’Insult To Shivaji, Bhagat Singh’: CJP Founder Dipke Demands ACP’s Suspension Over Library RowMission Aagaman Explained: How Vikram-1 Could Make Indian Space History60-Year-Old Mumbai Man Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole, 4 BMC Officials SuspendedIndian Navy’s INS Trikand Thwarts Piracy Attempt On India-Bound Vessel In Gulf Of AdenWest Bengal Passes Tough Public Order Laws: What The Recovery And Preventive Detention Bills MeanJapan PM Takaichi In India: Top 10 Items On The Agenda As She Meets PM Modi54 Years of the Shimla Agreement: Why India Says Pakistan Violated the Spirit of the PactChina’s Proposed Bangladesh Corridor Could Open A New Strategic Route Into The Indian Ocean123PhotostoriesShoaib Ibrahim’s father gets discharged from hospital after 37 days; Dipika Kakar gets emotional before second infusion5 most effective ways to make money through social media in 20265 fascinating animals that glow in the darkThere are only 3 American states that start with the letter ‘C’; here’s why every traveller on a U.S trip should visit themWhat are chemical-free cosmetics? 5 things no clean cosmetic brand should have that every woman should know about5 superfoods that reduce seasonal hair fall naturally5 reasons devotees cry for Krishna during moments of deep devotionAlia Bhatt redefines airport glam with heritage Gucci tote and classic Frankie Shop layering7 viral techniques people are using to keep mice away without poisonJuly gardening guide: 7 flowers, fruits, and vegetables to plant in the UK123Hot PicksTrump tariffsNHL TradeEPF Scheme 2026NFL TradeIncome Tax Return FilingMumbai rainNovak DjokovicMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingCapgemini Bengaluru DaycareDelhi Hit and RunBengaluru Triple MurderFIFA World Cup 2026EPF Scheme 2026US Iran warBy-election datesConnor McDavidManish TewariLando Norris
NEW DELHI: Seeking to allay public fears over ethanol-blended fuel, petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri Thursday said a “make-believe” narrative had been unleashed on social media over the past few days.Addressing a press conference, the minister said the reduction in mileage of an E20-fuelled vehicle is “minor”. “It is well established that when you have ethanol in a vehicle, which they use in racing cars also, the acceleration increases, knocking improves. Mileage may drop a little, but it can happen because of many other reasons also,” he said. Puri added that insurance companies had also issued clarifications regarding vehicle coverage.Puri said his ministry had compiled a 15-page note tracing the journey of ethanol blending, listing the countries where it is practised. The note will also answer people’s concerns.The note stated that “misleading videos, selectively edited clips and sensational social media posts” were being circulated with the objective of “creating fear amongst vehicle owners” regarding the use of E20 fuel.Puri said India adopted 20% ethanol blending in petrol after consulting all stakeholders, including SIAM and ARAI, and would move to 25% blending only after completing all necessary tests. The minister said the concept of ethanol blending was not new and prominent car maker Henry Ford called it the “fuel of the future”.
