E20 fuel increases mileage, helps farmers, and will not harm vehicles, says Gadkari
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· MSP, procurement, PDS & food security· Prelims·
Ethanol blending as a tool for energy security and agrarian development: a GS3 Agriculture and Economy case study.
Why in news
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that E20 ethanol-blended petrol has increased vehicle mileage and caused no harm to vehicles since its adoption in 2022.
Background
Since 2022, E20 ethanol-blended petrol has been utilized in 4 crore four-wheelers and 20 million two-wheelers across India. The Minister claimed the fuel has improved average vehicle mileage without causing mechanical damage.
Facts for Prelims
- FactE20 fuel has been used in 4 crore four-wheelers since 2022
- FactE20 fuel has been used in 20 million two-wheelers since 2022
- S&TE20 refers to petrol blended with 20% ethanol content
Prelims practice question
With reference to E20 ethanol-blended petrol in India, consider the following statements:
- The fuel has been reported to improve average vehicle mileage without causing mechanical damage.
- Since 2022, E20 fuel has been utilized in 40 million four-wheelers.
- E20 refers to petrol blended with 20% ethanol content.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The note states it has been used in 4 crore four-wheelers.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the promotion of ethanol blending in fuels contributes to India's energy security and the socio-economic development of the agricultural sector.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Energy security: Reducing crude oil import dependency through domestic bio-fuel production
- Agrarian impact: Creating a stable demand for surplus ethanol feedstock from sugarcane and grain farmers
- Technical feasibility: Balancing engine compatibility with high ethanol concentrations in existing vehicle fleets
Keywords: Energy Security · Biofuels · Ethanol Blending · Agrarian Economy · Import Substitution
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.