Ethanol Blending in Diesel Put on Hold Over Safety Concerns

The Centre has decided not to proceed with ethanol blending in diesel for now after tests raised concerns over the fuel’s safety. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi informed the Rajya Sabha that government oil companies had tested ethanol-diesel blends through their research and development centres.

Certified laboratories, automobile companies and other technical institutions were also involved in the testing process. The results showed that adding ethanol significantly reduced diesel’s flash point, causing the blended fuel to fall short of the required safety standards.

Flash point is the lowest temperature at which fuel vapours can briefly catch fire when exposed to an external ignition source such as a flame or spark. A lower flash point can increase risks during fuel storage, transportation and handling. However, it does not mean that the fuel will automatically catch fire at that temperature.

Based on the test results, the government has decided to keep ethanol blending in diesel on hold.

Meanwhile, there is also no current decision to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20 per cent (E20). Suresh Gopi said any future move beyond E20 would be considered only after scientific and technical studies and consultations with automobile manufacturers, oil companies and research institutions.

The government maintains that E20 petrol has undergone laboratory tests and field trials covering engine life, starting performance, driving experience, corrosion, material compatibility and fuel efficiency.

According to the government, more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars are already running on ethanol-blended fuel in India.

For now, the government’s focus remains on safety, with diesel ethanol blending ruled out while any expansion beyond E20 petrol will require further technical evaluation.

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