Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri hinted at a possible reassessment of proposals to further increase ethanol blending in petrol, while also refuting claims that E20 fuel causes engine damage or reduces mileage. Puri made these remarks on Tuesday, noting that ethanol blending in petrol has increased from 1.4% in 2014 to 20% currently, and suggested he would like "to put a full stop there". He stated that the government will assess the current situation before deciding on further steps, dismissing speculation about "another leapfrog" in blending percentages.

Puri strongly criticized those who have voiced concerns about the adverse effects of E20 fuel on older petrol engines. He called claims of biofuels harming engines "rubbish". While some automakers initially stated that E20 had not been tested for compatibility with older vehicles, they later retracted those statements, saying it was safe to use. The Oil Minister and his ministry have consistently dismissed fears surrounding the use of E20 as unfounded, clarifying that older vehicles might need replacement of certain rubber parts and gaskets, which he described as a "simple process".

Puri addressed criticisms regarding E20, mentioning reports of automobile engineers whose cars, purchased in 2021 or 2022, experienced issues after E20 fuel was introduced. He emphasized the importance of considering the type of car and the driving conditions, suggesting that factors like driving in areas with heavy traffic could also affect fuel efficiency.

An inter-ministerial committee is currently considering raising the ethanol blending percentage to 30% by 2030. Despite this, Puri stressed the need for careful evaluation before making further advancements.

The government has stated that E20 petrol is safe, despite some complaints from drivers. They also clarified that while E20 fuel is generally safe, some older vehicles may require replacement of rubber parts.

Puri highlighted the importance of biofuels and cleaner energy for India, a country that relies on imports for 88% of its oil needs. Last month, his ministry addressed concerns about a significant drop in fuel efficiency due to E20, stating that these concerns were misplaced and that the fuel actually improves acceleration. He also expressed confidence in India's energy security, as more energy enters global markets from countries in the Western Hemisphere.