E20 Petrol Can Cut Mileage by Up to 6% – Nitin Gadkari
Petrol containing 20 percent ethanol can reduce vehicle fuel economy by 2 percent to 6 percent, depending on the vehicle’s category and age, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has told Parliament.
E20 Petrol Can Reduce Vehicle Mileage
In a written response to the Lok Sabha, Gadkari acknowledged that E20 petrol could cause a measurable reduction in mileage. The impact differs between two-wheelers and four-wheelers and varies according to the vehicle’s age and compatibility.
Ethanol has a lower energy content than conventional petrol, which can increase the quantity of fuel required to cover the same distance.
E20 contains 80 percent petrol and 20 percent ethanol. It has been introduced nationwide under the government’s Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme.
Government Tests Found No Engine Failures
Gadkari said extensive laboratory and road tests found no engine failures attributable to E20 petrol.
The assessment covered BS-III, BS-IV and BS-VI two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Testing was conducted jointly by the Automotive Research Association of India, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and Indian Oil Corporation.
The studies reportedly found no significant problems involving engine durability, vehicle starting, drivability, metal compatibility or plastic components.
However, some BS-III vehicles manufactured before 2016 may require the replacement of certain rubber components and gaskets during regular servicing. Gadkari said these vehicles would not require complete engine modifications.
Centre Defends Ethanol Blending Programme
The government has defended E20 as a measure to reduce crude oil imports, increase domestic ethanol consumption, support farmers and lower emissions.
Official assessments say E20 can provide improved acceleration and reduce carbon emissions compared with E10 petrol. The government has also stated that no widespread vehicle breakdowns or engine failures caused by E20 have been reported.
All BS-VI vehicles manufactured from April 2026 are required to comply fully with E20 emission standards.
The Centre has said it currently has no proposal to increase the mandatory ethanol blend beyond 20 percent.
