Does E20 Petrol Reduce Mileage Or Damage Your Car? Government Responds To Viral Claims
Does E20 Petrol Reduce Mileage Or Damage Your Car? Government Responds To Viral Claims Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 21:32 IST Govt said
Does E20 Petrol Reduce Mileage Or Damage Your Car? Government Responds To Viral Claims Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 21:32 IST Govt said E20 fuel tests showed no significant impact on vehicle performance, drivability, engine durability, emissions or material compatibility, including in older vehicles. The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that the government could introduce E25 petrol in phases as part of its ethanol blending programme. (PTI) Amid widespread criticism and concerns, the government has said the rollout of E20 petrol was carried out in a phased, scientifically validated and consultative manner after extensive testing and discussions with stakeholders. It also said studies have found no significant impact on vehicle performance or engine durability and dismissed concerns linking ethanol-blended fuel to widespread engine problems or reduced mileage. Studies found no major impact on vehicles According to the government, joint studies conducted by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) found that E20 fuel complies with BS-VI emission norms.
The studies also concluded that E20 does not require modifications in most two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The government said the tests showed no significant impact on vehicle performance, drivability, engine durability, emissions or material compatibility, including in older vehicles. However, it said some BS-III vehicles manufactured before 2016 may require replacement of certain rubber parts and gaskets during routine servicing. Government addresses mileage concerns Responding to concerns over reduced fuel efficiency, the government cited automobile manufacturers and testing agencies, saying mileage depends on several factors and not only on the type of fuel used. It said driving habits, vehicle maintenance, tyre pressure and the use of air-conditioning all influence fuel efficiency. The government also said an Inter-Ministerial Committee under NITI Aayog reviewed vehicle compatibility and fuel efficiency before E20 was introduced. It added that the committee’s Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020–25, released in 2021, was prepared after consultations with automobile manufacturers, oil companies and agricultural experts.
Ethanol blending The government said the introduction of E20 followed extensive laboratory studies, durability trials and field validation. These assessments covered engine durability, corrosion, fuel systems, emissions, fuel economy and overall vehicle performance before the programme was rolled out. It also highlighted the steady increase in ethanol blending over the past decade. According to the government, ethanol blending rose from around 1.53 per cent in 2013-14 to 20 per cent by December 2025 following the expansion of production capacity, infrastructure and the regulatory framework. Citing SIAM, the government said there have been no widespread reports of engine failures or vehicle breakdowns that can be attributed to ethanol blending. This came after concerns about engine performance, mileage and wear have emerged on social media. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18.
The BriefWire