India Govt Says 20% Ethanol Blend Still Experimental in Supreme Court Hearing

The Indian government told the Supreme Court that its 20 percent ethanol‑in‑petrol (E20) programme is still an experiment, with the full impact expected to be clearer next year. Attorney General R Venkataramani made the submission on behalf of the centre after Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) challenged a Karnataka High Court order on ethanol allocation for the 2025‑26 supply year. The Supreme Court ordered a status‑quo on ethanol allocation, warning that reopening contracts could disrupt the national blending programme and trigger further litigation.

The government highlighted that the E20 policy is a firm decision, citing benefits such as reduced crude‑oil imports, foreign‑exchange savings and cleaner fuel, and noted that India achieved the 20 percent target ahead of schedule and is aiming for 30 percent by 2030. While several media reports claimed the government called the programme an "experiment", the Attorney General’s office later issued a clarification stating that those reports were false and that the programme is a binding national policy, not a trial. The case continues to be heard, with the centre seeking to consolidate related petitions in the Supreme Court.

Key points: the programme remains classified as experimental pending evaluation; the Supreme Court has maintained the existing allocation process; and the government reaffirms the strategic and economic importance of ethanol blending for India's energy security.