Amid growing concerns over the impact of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) on vehicle performance, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a detailed clarification dismissing such fears as “largely unfounded and not supported by scientific evidence or expert analysis.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the ministry responded to recent media reports questioning whether E20 fuel could damage older vehicles or degrade the driving experience.
Citing multiple studies and expert assessments, it stated that E20 is both safe and beneficial.
According to the ministry, long-term testing of both carbureted and fuel-injected vehicles across 100,000 km showed “no statistically significant differences” in power, torque, or fuel efficiency between E20 and conventional petrol. These tests were carried out every 10,000 km and evaluated not only engine performance but also emissions and mechanical durability.
Further assessments by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), and Indian Oil Corporation’s R&D wing confirmed that even older vehicles—or “legacy vehicles”—did not suffer from abnormal wear and tear. E20 also passed hot and cold engine start tests without any sign of engine damage.
ONLY MINOR DROP IN FUEL EFFICIENCY
One of the most frequently raised concerns around E20 is reduced mileage. Ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol, which does result in a minor drop in fuel economy. The ministry acknowledged this but clarified that the reduction is limited to around 1–2% for vehicles designed for E10 and calibrated for E20. In older or non-optimised vehicles, it could range from 3–6%.
However, this drop is far from “drastic,” the ministry noted, and can be mitigated with proper engine tuning and the use of E20-compatible materials—measures that leading automakers have already adopted since April 2023, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
Concerns about E20 causing corrosion in vehicle components were also dismissed. The ministry explained that corrosion inhibitors are already part of the fuel’s formulation, and safety specifications are clearly defined under BIS and Automotive Industry Standards. In older vehicles, some rubber components or gaskets may need replacement after 20,000 to 30,000 km—an inexpensive and routine maintenance activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT
The government reiterated that ethanol blending isn’t just safe—it’s also environmentally sustainable and economically strategic. Ethanol, being a biofuel, replaces fossil-based petrol and significantly cuts down CO2 emissions. A Niti Aayog study found that lifecycle emissions from sugarcane-based ethanol are 65% lower than petrol, while maize-based ethanol emits 50% less greenhouse gases.
Ethanol is now being produced from diverse feedstocks including surplus rice, maize, damaged grains, and agri-residues, aligning with India’s push for second-generation (2G) biofuels. This not only reduces environmental impact but also strengthens rural incomes.
Since 2014-15, India has saved over Rs 1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange by substituting petrol with ethanol. At the same time, the ethanol procurement programme has facilitated prompt payments of over Rs 1.20 lakh crore to farmers, generating jobs and demand in rural areas.
E20, with its higher octane rating (~108.5 compared to petrol’s 84.4), also supports the performance needs of modern high-compression engines. Ethanol’s higher heat of vaporisation lowers the intake manifold temperature, improving engine efficiency and contributing to better ride quality.
PLANNED TRANSITION
Addressing claims that the shift to E20 has been sudden or poorly communicated, the ministry pointed to the Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020–25, publicly available since 2021. The implementation has followed a phased, multi-stakeholder approach involving coordination with automakers, fuel companies, and regulatory agencies.
The ministry made it clear: narratives suggesting that ethanol-blended petrol harms vehicles or short-changes consumers “lack technical foundation.” Backed by research, standards, and a national roadmap, E20 is being positioned as a scientifically sound, environmentally responsible, and economically beneficial step toward energy independence.
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