'You And I Can't Check Car's Mileage': Nitin Gadkari Responds To Fuel Economy Concerns Amid E20 Row

Published 14 July 2026 · india

'You And I Can't Check Car's Mileage': Nitin Gadkari Responds To Fuel Economy Concerns Amid E20 Row Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 11:01

'You And I Can't Check Car's Mileage': Nitin Gadkari Responds To Fuel Economy Concerns Amid E20 Row Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 11:01 IST The E20 petrol policy took effect nationwide, starting April 1, as part of the government's push to reduce dependance on imported crude oil and cut emissions Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari | File image Union Minister of Road Transport Nitin Gadkari on Monday staunchly backed the Centre’s ethanol-blending programme, stressing that a car owner cannot accurately measure their vehicle’s mileage on their own. He suggested only tests conducted by authorised vehicle dealers should be trusted. In an interview with ABP News, Gadkari was responding to a concern raised by a journalist who claimed her car’s mileage had dipped after switching to government-mandated E20 petrol.

She argued that the mileage of her car –– purchased in 2023 and presumably E20 compliant –– had plummeted from 11 km/litre to 7 km/litre recently. When Gadkari enquired her about how she arrived at the calculation, she responded: “I checked it in my car, just as everyone does," she replied, referring to the dashboard mileage display in the car. ‘You And I Can’t Check Car’s Mileage’ Nitin Gadkari backed the Centre’s 20 per cent ethanol-blending programme, and said: “You and I can’t check the mileage. A car’s mileage can only be checked using a company-authorised dealer’s machine". The E20 ethanol-blending policy mandates the nationwide sale of petrol mixed with 20 per cent ethanol –– a clear, colorless liquid alcohol extracted from crops, primarily sugarcanes. The policy took effect nationwide, starting April 1, as part of the government’s push to reduce dependance on imported crude oil and cut emissions.

However, the rollout drew backlash as car owners reported a drop in the mileage of their vehicles. Sections of the automobile industry also voiced concerns, complaining about the blended fuel’s performance in older vehicles. ‘E20 Petrol Can Reduce Fuel Economy’ The Centre, recently, acknowledged that E20 petrol can reduce the fuel economy by 3-5 per cent in some vehicles but argued that mileage is not the only factor to consider. On July 10, the Ministry of Energy and Environment released a list of ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ as it sought to address the controversy surrounding the new fuel policy. Addressing concerns around fuel economy, the ministry said: “Some vehicles may experience a 3 to 5 percent reduction in fuel economy". “However, real world mileage depends more on driving habits, tyre pressure, servicing, and air conditioner use than fuel type.