August 8, 2026: Consumer uncertainty over India's transition to E20 petrol is pushing some buyers toward vehicles powered by alternative fuels, a senior industry official said on Thursday.
Sales of alternative-fuel passenger vehicles, including CNG, hybrid and electric models, came within "striking distance" of petrol models in July, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).
India's petroleum and road transport ministries did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
The shift comes amid concerns surrounding India's nationwide rollout of E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol, a plant-derived alcohol mixed into petrol to reduce dependence on imported crude oil. The policy replaced the earlier E10 variant.
The transition has drawn criticism from some consumers, who say the higher ethanol blend affects fuel efficiency and vehicle performance, particularly in older vehicles not designed for E20 fuel.
(Source: Reuters)
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