India, July 4 -- Industry experts and leading automobile manufacturers on Saturday sought to allay concerns over the use of ethanol-blended petrol, asserting that the E20 fuel, with 20% ethanol content, has undergone extensive scientific testing and is safe even for vehicles manufactured before the E20 mandate, "while also helping India reduce crude oil imports and carbon emissions".

The clarification came amid a growing public debate over E20, with some motorists, social media users and political leaders alleging that the higher ethanol blend has led to reduced fuel efficiency and, in some cases, engine-related problems in older vehicles.

At a press conference, former Engineers India Limited chairman and managing director Vartika Shukl...