# Government rejects US ethanol imports as E20 concerns grow

2026-08-06T15:41:09+00:00 | Business & Economy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The Commerce Department said India has offered no concessions to the US on ethanol imports for fuel blending and is importing none from the US for that purpose. It said the programme remains governed by domestic policy and supplied entirely by Indian producers. The clarification comes as the government promotes E20, petrol containing 20% ethanol, as the default fuel. The Hindustan Times reported that SIAM withdrew a letter warning of possible chloride contamination, moisture and phase separation in E20 supplies. The industry body said its readings needed wider authentication and that existing measures met vehicle makers’ needs. The government maintains E20 is safe, does not damage engines and causes only a slight mileage reduction.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-explainers/siam-e20-withdrawn-letter-ethanol-fuel-engine-chloride-contamination-automakers-humidity-petrol-pumps-nitin-gadkari-101785907376017.html>
- thehindubusinessline.com <https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/india-rules-out-concessions-to-us-on-ethanol-import-for-fuel-blending/article71314253.ece>

Tags: automobiles, E20 fuel, ethanol blending, fuel quality, SIAM
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