AAEA Warns on Ethanol Blend Risks
Guwahati/New Delhi: Many pre-2022 models are not designed for the higher ethanol content and could face operational issues, warns the All Assam Engineers’ Association (AAEA in a statement today, as India fully rolls out E20 fuel nationwide following the Supreme Court’s rejection of a public interest litigation (PIL) against 20% ethanol blending. While cautiously supporting the government’s flexi fuel policy for its environmental and economic benefits, the group highlights potential risks for older vehicles, urging owners to take precautions to avoid engine problems in humid regions like the Northeast.
The Ethanol blending mission, achieving its E20 target ahead of schedule in 2025, mixes 20% ethanol—a biofuel derived from sugarcane, corn, or biomass—with petrol to promote renewable energy and reduce reliance on imported crude oil. The Supreme Court dismissed the PIL on September 1, 2025, upholding the rollout, which is projected to lower emissions by up to 10% and support sugarcane farmers through increased ethanol demand. Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH), a renewable alternative to hydrocarbons, is now available at over 100,000 outlets across India, making the country one of the first developing nations to implement widespread blending.
AAEA president Er Kailash Sarma, working-president Er Nava J. Thakuria, and secretary Er Inamul Hai stated, “We support the government’s flexi fuel policy to reduce the burden on imported crude oil and greenhouse gases. Assam hosts over 15 ethanol projects, including Numaligarh Refinery Limited’s bamboo-based biorefinery, benefiting farmers directly without corrupt middlemen.” However, they stressed the hygroscopic nature of ethanol—it absorbs moisture from the air—which can lead to water accumulation in fuel tanks of older vehicles, causing starting difficulties, jerks, or corrosion. “Most pre-2022 cars and two-wheelers were calibrated for 0–5% ethanol. In humid, rainy areas like the Northeast, owners should keep tanks full, start engines frequently, and service regularly,” they advised, calling for a nationwide study on E20’s long-term impact as blending targets rise to 27% by 2030.
The mission has increased ethanol blending from 1.5% in 2014 to 20% in 2025, saving Rs. 1 lakh crore in oil imports and cutting 27 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, per government data. Assam’s Numaligarh biorefinery, set to produce 60 million litres of ethanol yearly by 2026 using 3 lakh tonnes of bamboo waste, exemplifies regional gains, creating 1,000 jobs. Yet, AAEA’s concerns echo industry reports of 5–10% reduced mileage and potential engine wear in non-compliant vehicles, prompting some drivers to opt for premium fuels.
Government officials maintain E20 is safe for compliant models, with no widespread damage reported, but acknowledge awareness campaigns are needed. “This policy helps farmers and reduces emissions, but vehicle compatibility is key,” said a Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas spokesperson. Unverified elements, such as the Supreme Court’s 2025 ruling and E20’s full implementation, underscore ongoing discussions, but the mission’s benefits remain central to India’s green energy goals.
– global bihari bureau
