India’s E20 ethanol‑blended petrol faces consumer backlash and government defence

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said India’s shift to 20 % ethanol‑blended petrol (E20) is a planned transition based on technical tests, automobile‑maker consultations and an aim to cut crude‑oil imports, improve energy security and support farmers. It argued that offering pure petrol, E10 and E20 together would create major logistical costs across the country’s network of more than 100,000 retail outlets. The ministry acknowledged that E20 can reduce vehicle fuel‑economy by 3‑5 % but highlighted higher octane, smoother acceleration, cleaner engine operation and lower lifecycle carbon emissions. It cited field data from Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp, stating that servicing 2.84 crore vehicles – including 1.5 crore older models – revealed no corrosion or abnormal wear linked to E20.

Critics, including AAP leader Anurag Dhanda, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and popular YouTuber Sourav Joshi, claim the fuel is causing mileage drops of up to 70 % and engine problems, describing the government's response as anti‑national. Political figures such as Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari have dismissed the complaints, calling the criticism a “paid campaign.”

The government also highlighted the programme’s economic impact, saying it has saved more than ₹1.9 lakh crore in foreign‑exchange since 2014‑15, displaced over 310 lakh tonnes of crude oil and transferred over ₹1.66 lakh crore to sugarcane farmers. Premium fuels like IndianOil XP100 remain ethanol‑free for customers who prefer pure petrol.