Amid attempts by some social media users to spread fear and confusion about E20 fuel, many of India’s popular digital influencers are actively supporting the government’s ethanol blending programme.
While certain online narratives have tried to mislead vehicle owners by selectively sharing information and making false claims about E20’s effects on vehicles, prominent influencers like Abhishek Malhan (Fukra Insaan), Mahesh Keshwala (Thugesh), RJ Naved, RJ Praveen, Arun Kushwah (Chhote Miyan), Rajan Arora, finance expert Sanjay Kathuria, and others have used social media to highlight the true benefits of ethanol blending.
These influencers have posted educational videos showcasing the advantages of ethanol-blended fuel, helping to debunk myths and inform their followers.
Representing various fields such as entertainment, lifestyle, finance, and radio, these creators are crucial in reaching a wide range of audiences. The government has already stated that the fear-mongering is unfounded.
Recently, in a detailed release, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) stated that ethanol blending is a national programme. 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.
The Government is encouraging the blending of ethanol with petrol through the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, under which Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) supply ethanol-blended petrol. This initiative not only supports clean energy but also provides a steady income source to sugarcane farmers by creating sustained demand for ethanol. The increase in ethanol prices and separate payment of GST and transport charges further strengthen farmer earnings. In the ongoing Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024–25, OMCs have achieved an average ethanol blending level of 19.05% as of 31 July 2025. In July 2025 alone, the blending level reached 19.93%.
Over the past eleven years, from Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2014–15 to ESY 2024–25 up to July 2025, ethanol blending in petrol by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) has led to foreign exchange savings of more than ₹1,44,087 crore. It has substituted about 245 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, strengthening energy security, and has reduced CO₂ emissions by around 736 lakh metric tonnes -an environmental benefit comparable to planting 30 crore trees. At 20% blending, it is expected that payment to the farmers in this year alone will be to the tune of Rs.40,000 crore and forex savings will be around Rs. 43,000 crores.
