Published Jul 17, 2026 | 2:00 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 17, 2026 | 2:00 PM
South First explored E20's real-world impact in Kochi
Synopsis: As E20 petrol becomes the default fuel across Kerala, some motorists in Kochi say they have experienced lower mileage and engine problems after switching to the ethanol-blended fuel. Their concerns have gained attention after a consumer forum in Raipur ordered an automobile manufacturer to compensate a customer in a dispute over E20 fuel compatibility. Some mechanics say they have seen a slight drop in mileage and isolated cases of damaged rubber parts. Petrol pump operators say complaints have largely subsided.
Amal Sam, a young professional motorcycle rider from Kochi, no longer rides as often as he once did. He believes persistent engine problems in his motorcycles began after he started using E20 petrol. According to Sam, the issues were not caused by accidental damage but by the ethanol-blended fuel.
Like him, many members of Kerala’s riding community fear E20 petrol could affect engine performance and durability.
Their concerns have gained fresh attention following a recent order by the Raipur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, which held an automobile manufacturer guilty of deficiency in service in an E20 fuel compatibility case. The forum directed the company to provide the complainant with a new E20-compatible SUV worth ₹20.5 lakh, along with ₹1 lakh in compensation and ₹10,000 towards litigation expenses.
Amal Sam
The case involved a Raipur-based doctor whose hybrid SUV repeatedly broke down, with the forum observing that the company had failed to clearly establish or communicate the vehicle’s compatibility with commercially available E20 fuel.
South First spoke to riders, commuters, service managers and petrol pump operators in Kochi to understand the real-world impact of E20 petrol.
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Across Kerala, E20 petrol has replaced regular petrol at most fuel stations, leaving motorists with little choice but to use it regardless of their vehicle’s age.
The fuel contains 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol and is part of the Centre’s plan to cut crude oil imports, reduce emissions and support farmers by increasing ethanol production.
While NITI Aayog has noted that long-term use of E20 may hasten wear in certain rubber components because ethanol absorbs moisture and can be corrosive, the Union Petroleum Ministry says there is no verified evidence linking E20 alone to major engine failures.
Automakers, including Maruti Suzuki, say tests on older E10-compatible vehicles did not reveal significant issues, and the government has clarified that using BIS-compliant E20 fuel does not affect vehicle warranties or insurance coverage.
Manu KJ, Service Manager at a Yamaha sales and service showroom in Kochi, told South First, “Fascino is one of the models that has the maximum mileage. Under testing conditions, we got around 80 km mileage for this model. Now, the mileage has dropped—not significantly, but by around 5 km. Also, for some models of another brand, the rubber parts began to get damaged. However, we haven’t received any such complaints yet,” he said.
Manu KJ, Service Manager at a Yamaha
Speaking to South First, Amal said he experienced several issues after using E20 petrol, including a drop in mileage, reduced engine efficiency and other mechanical problems.
He explained in detail how the fuel affected his motorcycles, citing concerns over performance, fuel economy and overall engine health.
“E20 petrol has low energy content, so a 3–7 km mileage drop is certain. Also, the plastic and rubber parts of the vehicle get damaged easily. I also found from experience that E20 petrol can cause corrosion in the fuel system, fuel filter clogging, and higher maintenance costs,” he said.
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Sunith John, a manager at an HP petrol pump in Kochi that supplies only E20 petrol, told South First, “When E20 was first introduced, there were complaints that fuel injection was not happening properly.
Those complaints continued for almost six months. Now, we are no longer hearing such complaints from customers. Most customers are aware that it is E20 petrol, but some specifically ask about it because some vehicles are not compatible with it.
Sunith John
Even some new models permit only up to E5 or E10 petrol.
“When a fuel load arrives, we mainly check the density and, for E20, the process is the same. There are no storage issues either. We have separate tanks with capacities of 9,000 litres and 16,000 litres.
Most customers say that newer model vehicles are E20-compatible. Also, the quality of petrol has declined over the years,” he noted.
Two years ago, reports of a tiny beetle damaging vehicle fuel hoses emerged from Kannur, Kasaragod, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts, raising concerns among motorists and mechanics.
The 2.5 mm Psilosandrus beetle, belonging to the Scolytidae family, was identified by entomologists at Padannakkad Agricultural College after samples collected from a workshop in Karivelloor were examined.
Researchers said the insect appeared to be attracted to ethanol-blended petrol and bored tiny holes in the rubber fuel hose between the tank and the engine, causing fuel leaks.
Psilosandrus beetle
The issue prompted complaints to the National and State Human Rights Commissions, but no conclusive findings have been reached so far.
On this, Manu said, “I have dealt with two such cases. The petrol hose had developed holes, but we couldn’t confirm whether ethanol was the real reason. When we reported the issue to the company, they informed us that it would not be covered under warranty,” he said.
“The models that came after 2025 are E20-compatible. So, it won’t affect the warranty or anything,” he added.
