The introduction and adoption of E20 fuel, a gasoline blended with 20 per cent ethanol, has sparked widespread controversy across India, drawing reactions from several prominent figures.
MK Surana, former chairman and managing director of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), reportedly clarified on the prices of ethanol-blended fuel.
According to a report by CNBC TV18, during a panel discussion Surana denied the “myth” that blending ethanol would lower fuel prices.
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He stressed that while the price of ethanol ranges between… $56.71 and approx $71 per liter, and the price of gasoline at the former refinery is about $71 $53 per litre
“With regard to oil marketing companies, the answer is no, because ethanol is more expensive than gasoline for them,” a CNBC TV18 report quoted him as saying.
However, Surana noted that ethanol provides price stability during rising global crude oil prices.
Read also | Mercedes-Benz India issues E20 advisory after Sourav Joshi claims low mileage
Kejriwal writes to PM Modi
The debate has also gained political momentum. Earlier, AAP president Arvind Kejriwal sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss concerns over E20 petrol.
In his letter, the AAP leader said there was “huge public outrage” over the use of E20 petrol in vehicles that do not comply with fuel standards, according to news agency PTI.
The AAP supremo also said that the party has started an online petition for citizens to share their experiences with E20 petrol.
Notably, Kejriwal said his two main demands are that petrol stations should offer both pure petrol and E20 fuel options so that vehicle owners can make a choice, and the price of blended fuel should be reduced.
Read also | I don’t want E20, go for pure petrol: What drivers in India can actually buy at gas stations, says Gadkari
Government on pricing
In a press release by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, dated July 10, it was pointed out that E20 is not necessarily cheaper than conventional gasoline because ethanol purchase prices are fixed at remunerative levels to support farmers. She stressed that the goal is to reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil.
“Ethanol blending is therefore not about making petrol cheaper on a particular day. It is about reducing India’s exposure to imported crude oil,” the statement said.
