New Delhi, July 4 -- Industry experts on Saturday sought to allay concerns over the use of E20 ethanol-blended petrol, saying the fuel has undergone extensive scientific testing, meets stringent quality standards and is safe even for vehicles manufactured before the E20 mandate and also helps in reducing India's dependence on crude oil imports.

Addressing a press conference, the experts said India's ethanol blending programme was implemented through a phased and science-based approach involving extensive consultation with automakers, testing agencies and other stakeholders before its nationwide rollout.

Opening the discussion, former Engineers India Limited Chairman and Managing Director Vartika Shukla said the E20 programme was the res...