Satirist Kamlesh Singh agrees to using E20 petrol but insists that the ethanol be sourced exclusively from long‑grain basmati rice. His stance highlights the contradictions in India's energy‑food security blend policy.

  • Kamlesh Singh accepts E20 fuel but wants basmati‑derived ethanol.
  • Government’s ethanol‑blending scheme raises food‑security and pricing concerns.
  • Forex savings are highlighted while the subsidy on rice remains opaque.

Background

The Indian government mandated a 20% ethanol‑blended petrol (E20) to improve energy security. The policy, an extension of the earlier E10 mandate introduced in 2009, relies on rice procured under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system—funded by taxpayers—to feed distilleries at a steep discount.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) purchases rice at market‑determined rates, yet sells it to ethanol plants at roughly 40% below its procurement cost. While the government touts foreign‑exchange savings of nearly ₹1.97 lakh crore, the logic behind subsidising rice for fuel production remains unexplained.

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Kamlesh Singh’s Personal Quest

New Delhi‑based columnist and satirist Kamlesh Singh recounts his search for ethanol‑free petrol for his German‑make car, which is E20‑compliant. He discovered that every pump within a 30‑km radius dispensed the same 20% ethanol blend, regardless of premium or regular grade.

According to a LocalCircles survey, the share of owners reporting a mileage drop of over 10% rose from 45% to 66% this year, contradicting official claims that E20‑compliant engines should see no loss in fuel efficiency.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that continuing to use broken‑rice ethanol while ignoring higher‑quality basmati feedstock undermines both food security and the promised economic gains. The policy’s hidden costs could affect farmer incomes, consumer fuel bills, and long‑term foreign‑exchange stability.

"Demanding basmati ethanol isn’t a luxury—it’s a call for a transparent, sustainable fuel policy," says energy analyst Dr. Ravi Kumar.
Did You Know?: Approximately 1.2 million tonnes of Indian rice are diverted annually for ethanol production, accounting for over 15% of the country’s total ethanol output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can an E20‑compatible car truly run on 20% ethanol without a mileage penalty?

Answer: Technically yes, but real‑world driving typically sees a 5‑10% reduction in fuel economy.

Question 2: How does the cost of basmati‑based ethanol compare to standard broken‑rice ethanol?

Answer: Basmati rice commands a premium price, making basmati ethanol roughly 30‑40% more expensive than its broken‑rice counterpart.