E20 petrol reduces fuel economy by 2-6%, warns Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has warned that E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol, can reduce fuel economy by 2-6% compared to regular petrol. The admission came during a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday, where Gadkari outlined the government's roadmap for ethanol blending.

The minister acknowledged that while ethanol blending helps reduce oil imports and cuts emissions, it comes with a performance trade-off for most vehicles. Drivers, he said, should expect a noticeable drop in mileage when using E20 fuel.

Impact on older vehicles

Gadkari also cautioned that BS-III vehicles, which are older than a decade, may suffer damage to rubber parts when running on E20. Rubber components such as seals, hoses and gaskets in the fuel system can degrade due to ethanol's corrosive properties.

Owners of such vehicles may need to replace these parts with ethanol-compatible materials, the minister said. The government has not yet announced any compensation or retrofit scheme for affected drivers.

Political jibe over ethanol policy

The ethanol blending push has also drawn political fire. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav took a swipe at the Narendra Modi government, posting on social media: 'Cycle is free of E20.' The remark, a reference to his party's election symbol, highlighted concerns over the policy's impact on the common man.

Yadav's comment comes amid a broader debate over ethanol pricing and blending economics. With ethanol costing around ₹71 per litre, critics question why the government is promoting its mixing with petrol, which retails at over ₹100 per litre in many states.

What is E20 and why is it being pushed?

E20 is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. India aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, up from the current 10% (E10). The policy is driven by goals to cut crude oil imports, support sugar farmers and reduce vehicular carbon emissions.

However, automakers have flagged that not all vehicles on Indian roads are compatible with E20. While new cars sold after 2023 are designed to handle the blend, older models face risks of corrosion and reduced engine life.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is working on a phased rollout, but Gadkari's remarks have renewed calls for a clearer consumer advisory. Officials have not yet confirmed whether a national awareness campaign will be launched before the full switch to E20.

Industry experts say that while the fuel economy loss is real, it is relatively small compared to the environmental and strategic benefits. The challenge, they add, lies in managing the transition without burdening vehicle owners.

What to watch: The government is expected to release detailed guidelines on retrofitting older vehicles and may announce a timeline for mandatory E20 compliance at fuel stations across the country.