As the use of E20 fuel (20% ethanol blended with 80% petrol) expands across India, concerns among vehicle owners over its impact on car and bike engines have increased. Addressing these concerns in Parliament, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari clarified that E20 fuel will not cause any major damage to most vehicles, though some older vehicles may require minor adjustments.

Older BS-III Vehicles May Need Component Changes

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Gadkari said vehicles manufactured before 2016 and complying with BS-III emission standards may require replacement of certain rubber parts and gaskets due to ethanol compatibility.

However, he added that these changes can easily be carried out during regular vehicle servicing and do not require any major engine modifications. E20 fuel is currently being used in more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore four-wheelers across the country.

Study Finds No Major Impact on Engine Performance

The government informed Parliament that a detailed study was conducted by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to assess the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles.

The study found no abnormal impact on engine performance, starting ability, driving experience, or metal and plastic components. It also reported no signs of excessive engine wear due to E20 usage.

Mileage Concerns Addressed

Many vehicle owners have raised concerns about reduced mileage after switching to E20 petrol. Gadkari said mileage depends on several factors, including road conditions, driving habits, traffic conditions, vehicle maintenance and engine condition.

He clarified that any drop in mileage cannot be attributed only to E20 fuel.

E20 Introduced After Extensive Testing

The government stated that E20 petrol was introduced only after years of laboratory tests, field trials and technical evaluations. The fuel blend has been rolled out across the country in a phased manner.

Officials also highlighted that ethanol-blended fuels have been successfully used in several countries worldwide for many years, supporting India’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable fuel options.