ARAI Tasked To Assess How E25 Fuel Affects Engine Life In E10, E20 Vehicles: Report

The central government has introduced a new standard for ethanol-petrol blends exceeding the current 20 per cent threshold, as the ongoing West Asia crisis continues to weigh on global energy supplies. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification covers E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuel blends, produced by mixing anhydrous ethanol with motor gasoline for use in positive ignition engine-powered vehicles. The standard defines technical and quality parameters including composition, blending requirements, permissible impurity levels, testing methods and safety norms.

Also read: India Clears Path for 30% Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Crisis

The petroleum ministry has directed the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to carry out a detailed study on how E25 fuel affects engine life and mileage in vehicles currently compliant with E10 and E20 standards.

An inter-ministerial group gathered last week to deliberate on the matter.

A BIS representative at the meeting indicated that raising the ethanol content by 1 per cent beyond the existing 20 per cent level would not pose a problem. 

However, "considering that increasing blending to 25 per cent will be a significant jump," an official was quoted as saying by Times of India, the step up to higher blends warrants closer examination.