Automakers Defend E20 Ethanol Blend Safety and Benefits

Leading automobile manufacturers and industry experts held a press conference in New Delhi on Saturday, July 4, 2026, to address public concerns and defend the safety and benefits of E20 ethanol-blended petrol. The event, held at the National Media Centre, came amid widespread social media criticism and reports of vehicle performance issues following the nationwide rollout of the fuel.

Executives from Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Hyundai, Hero MotoCorp, and other firms asserted that extensive scientific testing confirms E20 is safe for both new and older vehicles, including those manufactured before 2023. They emphasized that the blending programme, which achieved its 20% target in December 2025, five years ahead of schedule, was the result of a phased, science-based approach involving consultations with automakers and testing agencies.

Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer for Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki, directly addressed concerns about pre-2023 vehicles. He stated the company had tested cars designed for E10 fuel on E20 and found no issues related to wear, tear, corrosion, or component life. He cited internal service data from the last fiscal year covering...