New Delhi, July 21 -- Extensive testing by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has validated the use of E20 petrol, with the government saying the fuel was introduced only after rigorous scientific evaluation covering engine durability, emissions, fuel systems and overall vehicle performance.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was implemented through a "phased, calibrated, scientifically validated and consultative approach" involving NITI Aayog, Oil Marketing Companies, automobile manufacturers, ARAI, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and other technic...