# Ethanol-blended diesel fails flash-point test; E20 debated 2026-08-11T01:58:09+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets The government has ruled out ethanol-blended diesel for broad use after tests found the addition of ethanol sharply lowered the fuel's flash point, violating safety norms. Minister Suresh Gopi told Parliament that public-sector oil companies conducted scientific evaluations with laboratories and automakers. Separately, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari defended E20 petrol, stating it offers higher octane and cleaner combustion. He acknowledged that fuel efficiency can drop 2-6% in older vehicles, but said no verified evidence of engine failure exists among the over 20 crore two-wheelers and 3 crore cars using ethanol blends. The government has no plans to raise blending beyond 20%. ## Coverage - timesnownews.com - thehansindia.com Tags: diesel, ethanol blending, fuel safety, petroleum, Suresh Gopi Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/ethanol-blended-diesel-fails-flash-point-test-says-govt/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/ethanol-blended-diesel-fails-flash-point-test-says-govt/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.