E20 here to stay, giving choice not feasible: Govt, Pg3

Key Highlights:

• The government defended its Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, stating E20 fuel is cleaner and superior in performance despite a minor reduction in fuel economy for some vehicles.
• Offering multiple grades of fuel is deemed logistically challenging and costly, making E20 the standard petrol variant across India.
• India achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol last year, marking a significant milestone for the program.
• India is expanding its Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) with an additional 6.5 million tonnes of storage capacity.
• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is developing a 1.75-million-tonne SPR at Mangaluru as part of this expansion.

Detailed Insights:

• E20 fuel consists of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions.
• Public criticism of E20 includes concerns about reduced mileage and potential wear and tear on older vehicle engines not designed for higher ethanol blends.
• The government emphasized that achieving the 20% ethanol blending target required substantial investments.
• The expansion of Strategic Petroleum Reserves is a response to recent geopolitical shocks affecting global oil supply routes.
• The second phase of the SPR program includes a 4-million-tonne reserve at Chandikhol in Odisha and a 2.5-million-tonne expansion at Padur.
• With the new additions, India's total emergency crude coverage is expected to exceed 20 days of consumption.
• The existing SPR capacity in India stands at 5.33 million tonnes.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme: A government initiative to mix ethanol with petrol to reduce crude oil imports and promote cleaner fuel.
• E20 Fuel: A blend of petrol containing 20% ethanol, designated as the standard fuel in India.
• Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR): Underground storage facilities for crude oil maintained by governments to ensure energy security during supply disruptions.