Ethanol row ignites: Govt defends E20 fuel, calls damage fears unfounded

Amid growing pushback from vehicle owners over the rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20), the Government of India has firmly countered criticism, declaring the concerns as “largely unfounded” and “unsupported by science.”

In a detailed statement posted on X, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas laid out extensive testing data and environmental justifications in defense of E20.

The ministry’s clarification follows a string of media reports and user complaints raising alarm over possible engine damage, reduced mileage, and performance issues in older vehicles running on E20 fuel.

“No engine damage, minimal fuel drop”

Citing multi-agency testing, the ministry asserted that long-term trials — covering over 100,000 km on both carbureted and fuel-injected vehicles — found no statistically significant decline in power, torque, or fuel efficiency between E20 and regular petrol. Evaluations were carried out every 10,000 km and included emission levels and mechanical durability.

Even legacy vehicles, according to findings from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), and Indian Oil Corporation’s R&D division, showed no abnormal wear or failure. Tests also confirmed smooth engine startups under both hot and cold conditions.

While acknowledging that ethanol's lower energy density leads to a minor dip in mileage, the ministry emphasized the drop is minimal — just 1–2% in E10-designed vehicles, and 3–6% in older models. It called this a manageable trade-off that can be offset by engine tuning and the use of E20-compliant materials, already adopted by carmakers post-April 2023, as per the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Rust fears overblown, says ministry

On fears that ethanol may corrode vehicle parts, the ministry clarified that modern E20 formulations already include corrosion inhibitors, and that standards under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ensure safety. In older vehicles, minor component replacements — such as rubber seals or gaskets — may be needed after 20,000 to 30,000 km, a normal part of maintenance, not a defect.

Beyond performance: the climate and economy angle

The government also sought to shift focus from complaints to climate and economic advantages. Ethanol, being a plant-based biofuel, significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to petrol. A NITI Aayog-backed study revealed that sugarcane-derived ethanol cuts CO₂ emissions by 65%, while maize-based variants reduce them by half.

Ethanol in India is increasingly being produced from surplus food grains, damaged stock, and agricultural waste, making it not just greener but also a source of rural income. Since 2014, India has saved over ₹1.4 lakh crore in oil import bills, and farmers have received ₹1.2 lakh crore in ethanol payments, stimulating the rural economy.

Transition wasn’t sudden: Govt

To allegations that the switch to E20 was rushed or poorly explained, the ministry referred to the Ethanol Blending Roadmap (2020–25) released in 2021. The transition, it noted, has followed a phased, multi-agency approach involving fuel companies, auto manufacturers, and regulators.

The government underscored that E20 — with its higher octane rating (108.5) and superior combustion properties — actually enhances performance in modern high-compression engines, improving both efficiency and ride quality.

Final word: Fear-mongering has no basis

In its parting message, the ministry said the backlash around E20 is being driven by misconceptions, not mechanics. "The narrative that ethanol-blended petrol harms engines or short-changes consumers lacks a technical foundation," it said, positioning E20 as a strategic step toward self-reliance, sustainability, and cleaner air.