Nitin Gadkari Addresses Concerns Over E20 Petrol and Vehicle Mileage

Gadkari Addresses Mileage Worries

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday sought to allay growing concerns about the impact of E20 petrol on vehicle mileage. Speaking amid a flurry of public debate, Gadkari acknowledged that ethanol-blended fuel could lead to a marginal drop in fuel efficiency but stressed that the environmental and economic benefits outweigh the trade-off.

“There may be a slight reduction in mileage, but the reduction in pollution and the savings in foreign exchange are far more significant,” Gadkari said. E20 petrol contains 20% ethanol blended with gasoline, a move aimed at reducing the country's crude oil import bill and cutting vehicular emissions.

The minister's remarks come as automakers and consumers seek clarity on how the new fuel standard will affect everyday driving costs. A government-commissioned study, referenced in recent reports, has found that some older vehicles may require modifications to run smoothly on E20.

BS-III Vehicles May Need Changes

A study conducted by the Centre has indicated that certain BS-III compliant vehicles may need replacement of rubber components such as fuel hoses and seals to avoid degradation when using E20 fuel. The ethanol in the blend can be corrosive to materials used in older engines.

However, officials have not yet confirmed the extent of the issue or the number of vehicles that might be affected. The government has not carried out a comprehensive assessment of how many vehicles on Indian roads are currently E20-compatible, as was revealed in a response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

Automakers have been advised to ensure that new vehicles sold from 2025 onward are E20-ready. Many manufacturers have already begun producing flex-fuel engines that can handle higher ethanol blends.

Roadmap Beyond E20

The government has signaled that E20 is not the final destination. Gadkari indicated that the Centre is ready to support higher ethanol blends and flex-fuel vehicles as part of a longer-term strategy. “We are preparing a roadmap to move beyond E20,” he said, without specifying a timeline.

Flex-fuel vehicles can run on any combination of petrol and ethanol, from pure petrol to E85 (85% ethanol). The move is expected to boost the domestic ethanol industry, which relies on sugarcane and grain feedstocks, and provide farmers with an additional revenue stream.

Experts have said that widespread adoption of higher blends would require significant investment in fuel distribution infrastructure and engine technology. The government is reportedly in talks with oil marketing companies and automobile manufacturers to accelerate the transition.

What About Car Insurance?

Amid the debate over fuel compatibility, some consumers have asked whether using E20 petrol could affect their car insurance policies. Insurance experts have clarified that the use of government-approved E20 fuel will not void standard insurance coverage, as long as the vehicle is compatible and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines.

However, if a vehicle suffers damage due to the use of an incompatible fuel blend, claims could be disputed. Motorists are advised to check their vehicle's owner manual and consult with manufacturers before switching to E20, especially for older models.

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the government's next steps in rolling out E20 pumps nationwide and the timeline for mandating higher ethanol blends. The success of the policy will depend on consumer confidence, vehicle compatibility, and the pace of infrastructure upgrades.