India’s Chief Economic Adviser, V. Anantha Nageswaran, has addressed the ongoing debate regarding the country’s ethanol blending program, specifically focusing on the compatibility of older vehicles. With an estimated 75 to 80 million two-wheelers currently on Indian roads that were manufactured for E10 fuel—a mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline—Nageswaran suggested that sticking to E10 for these older models could mitigate public anxiety about engine performance and longevity.

The government has been aggressively pushing for higher ethanol blending targets to reduce the nation's dependence on crude oil imports and to support the domestic sugar and grain industries. However, this transition has sparked concern among vehicle owners and consumer groups who fear that higher ethanol blends could cause corrosion or mechanical issues in engines not specifically designed to handle them. Nageswaran’s comments serve as a policy signal that the government is aware of the technical limitations of the existing vehicle fleet. While the administration continues to promote higher blends for newer vehicles, this statement highlights a potential bifurcated approach to fuel standards, aiming to balance national energy goals with the practical realities of the current automotive landscape.