India's biofuel drive is saving billions but also sparking worries

India has made big progress in its plan to blend more biofuels, like ethanol, with petrol. The government says this move has helped the country save billions of dollars and cut down on carbon dioxide emissions by almost 70 million tonnes since 2014. Last month, India reached its goal of mixing 20 percent ethanol with petrol, called E20, five years ahead of schedule. Officials believe this is a major step in fighting climate change and reducing the need to import oil from other countries.

However, not everyone is happy about the changes. Many vehicle owners and experts are worried about how E20 fuel affects cars and bikes. Ethanol has less energy than regular petrol and can be more corrosive, which means it can damage engine parts and reduce how far a vehicle can travel on a full tank. While some manufacturers, like Honda, have been making E20-ready vehicles for years, most older vehicles on Indian roads are not compatible. People often share stories online about their vehicles getting worse mileage and having engine problems. Insurance companies usually do not cover damage caused by using the wrong fuel, so owners may have to buy extra insurance, which can still be risky.

The government says these concerns are mostly not true. They claim that tuning engines and using E20-compatible materials can help reduce problems. Some car makers are offering special kits to make vehicles E20-ready, but these cost extra money. Some vehicle owners are frustrated because petrol stations only offer E20, and they have no choice but to buy it, even if their vehicles are not ready. There are also worries about food security. Ethanol is made from crops like sugarcane and maize, and using more crops for fuel could mean less food for people and animals. India will need even more ethanol in the future, which could require more farmland and affect food prices. Some experts say this could hurt farmers and people who rely on cheap food. Despite these concerns, the government plans to increase the amount of ethanol in petrol even more in the coming years, aiming for blends like E25, E27, and E30.