Ethanol-blended petrol has sparked fresh discussions across social media platforms. Many users claim E20 fuel can damage vehicle engines. Some vehicle owners also report lower mileage after using E20 petrol. However, the government says E20 fuel has worked safely in India for over two and a half years. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry rejected online claims and highlighted scientific studies behind the programme.
What Is E20 Ethanol-Blended Petrol?
E20 refers to petrol containing 20 percent ethanol. India produces ethanol mainly from sugarcane, damaged grains, broken rice, and maize. Moreover, India imports nearly 85 percent of its crude oil requirements. Therefore, ethanol blending can reduce thousands of crores spent on oil imports.
Additionally, ethanol contains higher oxygen levels, which helps reduce harmful emissions. The government says carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions can decrease by 30 to 40 percent. Hence, officials describe ethanol blending as an environment-friendly fuel option.
Can E20 Fuel Damage Vehicle Engines?
According to the government, E20 does not damage vehicle engines. The government, Automotive Research Association of India, Maruti Suzuki, and Toyota reviewed vehicle service data. Their findings showed no major engine damage from E20 usage.
Furthermore, research by ARAI, Indian Oil, and Indian Petroleum Institute scientists found no harm to metal or rubber components. These studies examined vehicle performance after E20 usage.
However, concerns continue because some users report problems after filling E20 petrol. The government says several other reasons can affect engines.
Why Are Some Engines Facing Problems?
The government explained that fuel tanks do not attract insects because ethanol comes from agricultural sources. During fuel-grade ethanol production, factories add chemicals that keep insects away.
Meanwhile, engines can face problems due to dirt or water inside underground petrol station tanks. Some viral videos show sugarcane juice mixing directly with petrol. However, the government says industrial processes and quality checks prevent such practices.
Impact Of E20 Fuel On Older Vehicles
Vehicles manufactured before April 2023 used E10 fuel systems. Continuous E20 usage may slowly weaken certain parts in older vehicles. These parts include gaskets and fuel pipes.
However, these components do not completely fail. If an older vehicle remains unused for 10 to 15 days after E20 filling, petrol and water may separate. Consequently, rust can develop inside fuel tanks or pumps.
New Vehicles Remain Safe With E20
Vehicles manufactured after April 2023 support E20 fuel usage. Manufacturers designed their engines and components for this fuel. Therefore, these vehicles do not face negative effects from E20 usage.
Automotive Research Association of India Director Reji Mathai said no evidence shows large-scale vehicle damage from E20 fuel. He added that companies launched E20 after extensive research and strict testing.
Moreover, testing covered two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and eight to ten-year-old BS-IV vehicles. Vehicles underwent tests between 40,000 and 50,000 kilometres. Researchers checked mileage, fuel savings, and overall performance. Mathai advised people to trust authorised service centres instead of social media posts.
Will E25 Fuel Replace E20 Soon?
Government sources said E25 fuel remains under testing. Currently, authorities have no plan to introduce E25 fuel. Compatibility tests continue across different vehicle brands and models.
Officials said final results are still pending. After completing the process, authorities will decide further steps.
Furthermore, government sources claimed misleading social media information may weaken India’s energy security efforts. They suggested some groups may oppose reducing dependence on imported biofuels.
Why Are Petrol Dealers Asking For E10?
After E20 implementation, tensions increased between petrol dealers and customers. Although the government calls E20 safe, many customers remain unconvinced.
Vehicle problems often lead customers to blame E20 petrol. Petroleum Dealers Association President Shashank Shekhar Sahu requested the government reconsider ethanol blending.
Speaking to ANI, Sahu said customers create disputes at petrol pumps even when vehicles already have issues. He added that E10 petrol could reduce these problems. According to him, many countries mainly use E10 fuel.
Countries Using Ethanol-Blended Fuel
Ethanol-blended fuel operates across several countries worldwide. These include Brazil, Thailand, India, Paraguay, Sweden, the United States, Germany, France, Spain, China, Australia, Canada, and Colombia.
Additionally, some Central American countries are promoting ethanol-blended fuel usage.
