India's E20 Ethanol Petrol Faces Complaints, Govt Defends Policy

India began nationwide distribution of E20 petrol – a blend of 20 % ethanol and 80 % gasoline – on 1 April 2024 as part of a clean‑energy strategy aimed at cutting crude‑oil imports, supporting farmers and lowering emissions. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas acknowledges that the lower calorific value of ethanol can reduce fuel‑economy by about 3‑5 % in some vehicles, though some estimates suggest a loss of up to 12 %.

Motorists have reported lower mileage and, in a few cases, perceived engine problems. Prominent critics such as Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and social‑media users claim the blend harms older cars, while a YouTube video by influencer Sourav Joshi alleged a sharp drop in his SUV’s mileage. The government and industry bodies counter that extensive testing was carried out with manufacturers, component suppliers and research agencies. The Ministry cites data from Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp showing that roughly 2.84 crore vehicles serviced after the rollout showed no E20‑related corrosion or durability issues.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reiterated that any mileage impact is technical, advises owners to verify complaints at authorised service centres, and stresses that the programme saves more than ₹1.90 lakh crore in foreign‑exchange annually. The Bharat Independent Ethanol Producers Association warned against misinformation, emphasizing that E20 does not damage engines when BIS‑compliant fuel is used. Automakers including Mercedes‑Benz, Mahindra, Tata, Hyundai, Toyota and Maruti have issued statements confirming that all BS‑VI petrol models are certified for E20 use.

The government also rejected proposals to offer pure petrol or an E10 alternative, citing the logistical complexity and cost of maintaining separate supply chains for over one lakh fuel stations. It argues that a single E20 baseline is essential for the continued viability of the ethanol‑blending infrastructure and the broader energy‑security goals.