E20 Fuel Causes 'Minor' Drop in Vehicle Mileage, Says Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, has acknowledged that the use of E20 fuel—a blend of 20% ethanol with petrol—leads to a 'minor' reduction in vehicle mileage. Speaking at a recent event, Puri sought to reassure the public that the decrease is negligible and offset by environmental and energy security benefits.

E20 is part of the government's push to increase ethanol blending in petrol, aiming to reduce oil import dependence and cut carbon emissions. The target is to achieve 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26. However, critics have pointed out that ethanol has lower energy content than petrol, which can result in a 3-5% drop in fuel efficiency.

Puri stated, 'There is a minor drop in mileage, but the advantages for the environment and our energy independence far outweigh this small compromise.' He added that modern engines are being calibrated to minimize the impact, and that the government is working with automakers to ensure smooth transition.

The minister's remarks come amid concerns from motorists and automobile manufacturers about the real-world effects of E20. Some car buyers have reported reduced mileage after using the blended fuel, though tests by the automotive industry show mixed results. The government has also introduced E20-compatible vehicles in the market.

Environmental groups have largely supported the policy, noting that ethanol is a renewable fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to pure petrol. However, they caution that large-scale ethanol production could strain water resources and food security if not managed sustainably.

As India pushes towards its 2070 net-zero target, the adoption of biofuels like ethanol is seen as a crucial step. The government has also incentivized sugar mills and distilleries to ramp up ethanol production. For consumers, the minor efficiency loss may be a trade-off for cleaner air and reduced fossil fuel imports.

Automakers are advising owners to follow recommended maintenance schedules and use the correct fuel grade to optimize performance. Long-term studies are underway to assess the durability impact of E20 on engines.