The ministry’s response appears to be a poorly executed face-saving attempt, as it fails to adequately address consumers' concerns.
Published Aug 05, 2025 | 11:54 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 05, 2025 | 11:54 AM
File photo of a fuel filling station in Yanam. (Facebook)
Synopsis: The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas claimed that the reports regarding the adverse effects of E20 Petrol are “largely unfounded and not supported by scientific evidence or expert analysis”. However, the ministry’s response is largely contradictory since it acknowledges the possible decrease in fuel efficiency and damages to parts.
Following increased concerns about 20 percent ethanol blending (E20) in petrol, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas claimed that the reports regarding its adverse effects are “largely unfounded and not supported by scientific evidence or expert analysis”.
However, the ministry’s response is largely contradictory since it acknowledges the possible decrease in fuel efficiency (mileage) — estimated at one to two percent for four-wheelers designed for E10 and calibrated for E20, and around three to six in others — and damages to parts.
While consumers have been pointing out the possible damages to older vehicles — manufactured prior to April 2023 — the ministry said that the replacement of damage-prone parts is inexpensive.
“Replacement of some rubber parts/ gaskets could be advised in certain older vehicles after prolonged use of say 20,000 to 30,000 kms. This replacement is inexpensive and easily done during regular servicing of the vehicle,” the ministry said in its response.
In a post on X on Monday, 4 August, the ministry claimed that material compatibility and drivability tests by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and Indian Oil Corporation (R&D) have confirmed that legacy vehicles also showed no significant variations, performance issues or abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20.
While consumers have raised concerns about older vehicles, the ministry has offered no proper solution except the replacement of parts, and attempted to dismiss the issue by stating that only E20-compliant vehicles with upgraded components have been rolling out since April 2023.
Responding to the drop in fuel efficiency, the ministry said, “This marginal drop in efficiency can be further minimised through improved engine tuning and use of E20-compatible materials, which leading automobile manufacturers have already adopted.”
However, the response did not mention whether the cost of this transition would be borne by the vehicle manufacturers or the government, or whether it would ultimately fall on the consumer.
“Why should I take that 6% drop in my Fuel Efficiency while paying 100% for a Fuel that has 20% Lesser Petrol? This effectively raises Fuel prices by 6% while misleading citizens. If Govt. wants to come clean then let them reduce Fuel prices by 6% to compensate for Low Mileage,” wrote a consumer on X.
The ministry said that since ethanol replaces petrol, a fossil fuel and reduces CO2 emissions.
“India’s ethanol blending programme is through feedstock diversification. Ethanol is increasingly being produced from not only sugarcane but also from surplus rice, maize, damaged foodgrains, and agricultural residues, especially under the push for second-generation (2G) biofuels. This makes ethanol blending not only technically viable, but environmentally sustainable as well. A study on life cycle emissions of ethanol done by Niti Aayog has assessed that GHG emissions in case of sugarcane and maize-based ethanol use is less by 65% and 50%, respectively, than that of petrol,” it said.
It also claimed that E20 would enhance ride quality and performance of compliant vehicles, noting the high octane content.
“Therefore, the use of ethanol becomes a partial alternative for providing high-octane fuels (~95), required for modern high compression ratio engines providing a better ride quality,” it said.
“Vehicles tuned for E20 (having increased RON) deliver even higher performance. Ethanol is also characterised by having a higher heat of vaporisation than petrol. This aspect makes the temperature of the intake manifold lower, which increases air-fuel mixture density, therefore increasing the engine’s volumetric efficiency,” it said.
However, in this claim as well, the ministry conveniently avoided mentioning non-E20-compliant vehicles — the central point of consumer concerns.
In its response, the ministry said the government saved more than ₹1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange through petrol substitution. However, it fails to explain whether the benefit has been passed down to the consumers.
Even after the complete E20 transition, the fuel prices in India have remained largely unchanged for over two years. However, the ministry said farmers have been benefiting from the move.
“E20 blending significantly strengthens India’s energy security by reducing dependence on crude oil imports. In fact, since 2014-15, India has already saved more than ₹1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange through petrol substitution. Ethanol blending supports the rural economy, with expeditious payment of over ₹1.20 lakh crore to farmers, thereby creating income and employment opportunities in the agricultural and biofuel sectors. E20 blending has helped India reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 700 lakh tonnes, contributing to climate change goals,” it said.
It further said the claim that this transition is abrupt or poorly communicated does not align with the detailed rollout plans of the government and added that it followed a phased and widely consulted approach, involving coordination between ministries, vehicle manufacturers, fuel retailers, standards agencies, etc.
“Ethanol blending is a forward-looking, scientifically supported, and environmentally responsible measure that brings multi-dimensional benefits to the nation,” the ministry claimed.
However, the ministry’s response appears to be a poorly executed face-saving attempt, as it fails to adequately address consumers’ concerns.
As reported by South First earlier, even the official websites of several vehicle manufacturers have pointed out that using E20 petrol in vehicles manufactured prior to April 2023 might cause a drop in fuel efficiency and damage to parts.
Other than advising consumers to get the damageable parts replaced — which may not be a viable option for many — the ministry has not even hinted at any policy changes.
Further, one of the main issues that several consumers raised was the proper labelling of E20 in fuel stations and the provision for them to choose between ethanol-blended petrol and the non-blended variant.
The ministry has not made it clear whether it would make a move in that regard.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
