The Central government clarified that E20 petrol might slightly reduce fuel efficiency in older vehicles designed for E10 fuel but emphasized the absence of widespread engine damage or breakdowns associated with ethanol-blended petrol. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi highlighted that any mileage decrease in older E10-designed vehicles typically ranges from 3-5 percent.
Fuel efficiency is influenced by various factors such as driving behavior, vehicle upkeep, tire pressure, wheel alignment, and air-conditioning usage, not just the ethanol content in the fuel. The minister pointed out that while some older vehicles might see a minor decline in mileage, E20 petrol offers benefits like a higher octane rating, enhanced anti-knock performance, improved combustion characteristics, and smoother acceleration.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently challenged critics of India’s E20 petrol initiative to identify any vehicle that has encountered issues due to the use of 20 percent ethanol-blended fuel. Gadkari dismissed claims of reduced fuel efficiency as well as other concerns surrounding E20 petrol, labeling them as part of “paid campaigns” spreading false narratives.
