Coimbatore, July 4 -- India's ethanol blending programme has significantly strengthened the country's energy security, increased farmers' incomes and reduced carbon emissions, while scientific studies have found no evidence that E20 fuel damages vehicle engines or significantly affects mileage, former Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) Chairman B Ashok said.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Ashok said many concerns surrounding E20 fuel are based on "misconceptions or exaggerated claims" rather than scientific evidence.

Explaining the rationale behind the government's ethanol blending programme, he said it has delivered major economic and environmental benefits.

"I would say that there are three major primary objectives, all of them h...