New Delhi, July 13 -- The government has launched a defence of its ethanol blending programme just as discussions gain momentum to push the blend beyond 20%. This official defence comes as consumers express renewed anxieties over the potential damages and costs of higher ethanol mixing.

Mint examines the validity of consumers' fears and whether the transition to E20 fuel was implemented too hastily.

With discussions gaining momentum to increase ethanol blending beyond 20% following the West Asia war-linked crude oil shock, a section of consumers has once again raised concerns regarding damage to vehicle parts and lower mileage for older cars.

Full material compliance for E20 began in 2023, whereas older vehicles were tuned for E10. Whi...