In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said extensive laboratory studies, field trials and real-world operating experience had confirmed that E20 petrol was safe for use under prescribed standards. The Government said more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over three crore petrol cars had been operating on E15+ and E19-E20 blends without any verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown attributable to ethanol blending. It said E15+ blended petrol had been in widespread use for over three-and-a-half years, while E19-E20 fuel had been in use for over two-and-a-half years. According to the reply, a leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during FY 2025-26, including around 1.5 crore vehicles that were not originally certified as E20-compatible, and reported no E20-linked corrosion, abnormal wear or reduction in component life. At the same time, the Government said E20 offered a higher octane rating, superior anti-knock characteristics, cleaner combustion and smoother engine performance.