The Indian government on Tuesday said the use of 20% Ethanol Blended Petrol (E-20) will reduce pollution, a move that has received backlash.

The Centre said the use of the fuel will yield better acceleration and even ride quality.

Responding to the claim that E20 petrol has an impact mileage of the vehicles, the Centre said in the statement: "The use of E-20 gives better acceleration, better ride quality and most importantly, lowered carbon emissions by approximately 30% as compared to E10 fuel."

"Ethanol’s higher-octane number (~108.5 compared to petrol’s 84.4) makes Ethanol-blended fuels a valuable alternative for higher-octane requirements that is crucial for modern high-compression engines," the Centre said.

"In addition to pollution reduction, there have been transformative benefits in terms of benefits to the rural economy, elimination of sugarcane arrears and improving the viability of maize cultivation in the country," the government said.

Highlight rural ecconomy issue, Centre said: "More income to farmers has not only contributed to furthering their well-being but has also helped decisively tackle the challenge of suicides by farmers. It may be recalled that in areas like Vidarbha farmers suicides were widespread a few years ago."

The government further said: "The critiques suggesting that E20 causes a 'drastic' reduction in fuel efficiency are  misplaced. Vehicle mileage is influenced by a variety of factors beyond just fuel type. These include driving habits, maintenance practices such as oil changes and air filter cleanliness, tyre pressure and alignment, and even air conditioning load."

The Centre further said: "Extensive discussions have been carried out with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) as well as prominent manufacturers of vehicles. The efficiency drop (if any) in E 10 vehicles has been marginal. For some manufacturers, vehicles have been E 20 compatible from as far back as 2009. The question of any drop in fuel efficiency in such vehicles does not arise."

The Centre said Ethanol Blending is a national programme.

Targeting critics, the Indian government said: "Some seek to derail  it by fomenting fear and confusion in the minds of car owners by selectively picking information and creating a false narrative that insurance companies will not cover car damage due to use of E20 fuels. This fear mongering is totally baseless and has been clarified by an insurance company whose tweet screenshot was deliberately misinterpreted to create fear and confusion. Usage of E20 fuel has no impact of the validity of insurance of vehicles in India."

What is E20 Petrol?

E20 (20% ethanol blended) petrol is a mixture of 20% anhydrous ethanol with 80% motor gasoline fuel volume by volume.