E20 Petrol Rollout Sparks Debate Over Fuel Efficiency and Vehicle Issues
In the bustling Nala market of Karol Bagh, New Delhi, a hub for automobile repairs, mechanics report a surge in vehicles with complaints of reduced fuel efficiency and engine jerking. Abdul Aziz, a 53-year-old mechanic and co-owner of a repair shop, notes that many owners arrive with similar issues: clogged fuel injectors and blocked fuel filters. These problems, according to Aziz and his partner Tanveer Ahmed Khan, have become more frequent since the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol—a blend containing 20% ethanol—in April 2025, five years ahead of the original timeline under the Ethanol Blended Programme.
Mechanics also observe heavy carbon deposits in fuel injectors and carburettors, along with increased failures of oxygen sensors. Khan explains that almost every car now requires inspection for these issues. The complaints coincide with the government's push for ethanol blending, aimed at reducing India's dependence on imported crude oil, supporting farmers, and lowering vehicular emissions. India imports nearly 88.5% of its oil requirements, making the country vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
The government claims that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has saved ₹1.97 lakh crore in foreign exchange and substituted 316 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil. All petrol vehicles sold since April 1, 2023, are E20-compliant, according to the government and the automobile industry. They acknowledge a 3–5% reduction in fuel economy due to ethanol's lower energy content. However, some motorists report mileage losses of up to 20%, though these anecdotal claims remain unverified and depend on vehicle type, driving conditions, and maintenance.
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, was commissioned to study E20's impact on vehicles, but the findings have not been made public. A media report on the study suggested issues with rubber components in some E10-compatible vehicles and problems in certain BS-VI turbocharged engines. The absence of official data has fueled speculation and competing claims about the blend's real-world effects.
Mechanics in Karol Bagh continue to address the growing number of vehicles with fuel-related issues, emphasizing the need for transparent data and guidance for older vehicles not originally designed for higher ethanol blends.
