Government says E20 fuel has no significant impact on vehicle performance, engine durability

The government on Wednesday said extensive studies and field trials have found no significant impact of E20 (20% ethanol-blended) petrol on vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, engine durability or maintenance, while dismissing concerns over widespread engine failures linked to the fuel.

Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was introduced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas after extensive consultations with stakeholders and validation through laboratory studies and field trials.

Studies found no major performance issues

According to the minister, a joint study conducted by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) found that BS-VI vehicles continued to meet emission norms when tested with E20 fuel.

"The studies have not shown any need to modify the car and two-wheeler engines," Gadkari said in his written reply.

He added that even legacy vehicles did not exhibit any significant variations in performance or abnormal wear and tear when operated on E20 fuel. The studies also reported no issues relating to drivability, startability, metal compatibility or plastic compatibility.

The government, however, said certain BS-III vehicles introduced from April 1, 2005 and manufactured before 2016 may require replacement of some rubber parts and gaskets during routine servicing. It also noted that vehicle mileage depends on several factors, including driving habits, tyre pressure, maintenance practices and air-conditioning load, rather than fuel type alone.

Consultative rollout

Gadkari said an Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted under NITI Aayog in December 2020 had comprehensively examined vehicle compatibility and fuel efficiency aspects of ethanol blending. The committee's roadmap for ethanol blending, released in June 2021, was prepared after consultations with automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies and agricultural experts.

The minister said the EBP programme has been implemented through a phased, scientifically validated and consultative approach. According to information shared by SIAM, no widespread cases of engine failure or vehicle breakdown attributable to ethanol blending have been reported, with most concerns arising through public commentary and social media discourse.

The government also highlighted the steady increase in ethanol blending in petrol—from around 1.53% in 2013-14 to 20% by December 2025—following the creation of the required production capacity, infrastructure and regulatory framework.