E20 petrol debate: Govt cites data for 23 crore vehicles, says 'no verified evidence' of widespread engine failure

Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said the shift to E20 fuel has been "phased, calibrated and evidence-based," noting that the ethanol blending rate was gradually raised from 1.53 per cent in 2013-14 to 20 per cent in 2025-26 following "scientific evaluation and stakeholder consultations at every stage."