New Delhi: India’s nationwide rollout of E20 petrol has sparked concern among motorists, with many questioning the impact of the higher ethanol blend on vehicles that were not designed to use it.
The government introduced E20, a fuel containing 20 percent ethanol, as the standard petrol available at fuel stations across the country. The policy forms part of its effort to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower carbon emissions and promote domestically produced biofuels made from crops such as sugarcane and maize.
Many vehicle owners, especially those using older models, have reported lower fuel efficiency, reduced engine performance and higher servicing costs after switching to E20. Complaints have spread across social media, while protesters recently gathered in Delhi, accusing the government of introducing the policy without giving consumers adequate choice.
The government rejected these allegations, describing them as misinformation. It said E20 reached the market only after extensive testing and maintained that the fuel does not damage vehicle engines. Industry experts and representatives from six automobile manufacturers also backed the policy, saying service records had not shown widespread engine damage linked to E20 use.
Automakers acknowledged a decline in fuel efficiency of around 3 to 3.5 percent because ethanol contains less energy than conventional petrol. Some estimates place the reduction between 4 and 12 percent.
Experts remain divided over the long-term effects. Some mechanics reported residue build-up, corrosion concerns and more frequent servicing in older vehicles, while others said they had not observed such problems. Industry observers also pointed to the lack of publicly available scientific studies confirming either the claims of vehicle damage or the assurances offered by the government and manufacturers.
Questions also remain over warranty and insurance coverage for fuel-related issues in vehicles not designed for E20. Experts say the uncertainty continues to concern owners in India’s cost-sensitive automobile market.
