India, July 30 -- Amid mounting criticism over the rollout of ethanol-blended fuel such as E20 (20% ethanol, 80%petrol), Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday clarified that while the blend may reduce fuel economy, it offers better acceleration, improved ride quality, and nearly 30% lower carbon emissions than E10 fuel.

In a written reply in Lok Sabha, Gadkari said a joint study by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) assessed the impact of E20 on BS-III, BS-IV, and BS-VI petrol-powered two- and four-wheelers.

The study involved standard certification tests along with customised evaluation protocols developed in collaboration ...