Government Rules Out Widespread E20 Petrol-Related Vehicle Problems

New Delhi, Jul 21 (KNN) The government has said it has not received any widespread or substantiated complaints of vehicle performance issues linked to the use of E20 petrol, adding that scientific studies and field experience have found no evidence of adverse impacts attributable to the fuel.

Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said concerns raised through media reports and social media posts had been examined through laboratory studies, field validation and real-world operating experience.

Studies Found No Significant Performance Issues

The minister said E15+ petrol has been in widespread use for over three-and-a-half years and E19-E20 fuel for more than two-and-a-half years, with over 20 crore two-wheelers and 3 crore petrol cars operating on these blends without verified evidence of widespread engine failure.

He added that a leading automobile manufacturer serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during FY26, including around 1.5 crore vehicles not originally certified as E20-compatible, and reported no E20-related corrosion, abnormal wear or reduction in component life.

No State-Wise Complaint Data Maintained

The minister said no state-wise record of complaints related to E20 fuel is maintained, as the government has not identified any widespread issues attributable to the fuel.

Inter-Ministerial Committee Reviewed Compatibility

The response noted that an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) constituted under NITI Aayog examined vehicle compatibility and mileage on E20 fuel, supported by studies conducted by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

The studies concluded that even older vehicles did not exhibit significant variations in drivability, engine performance, startability or component durability when using E20 fuel.

No Proposal To Revert To E0 Or E10 Fuel

The government said oil marketing companies have been directed to supply petrol blended with up to 20 percent ethanol across all states and Union Territories in line with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications.

It also noted that E20 petrol with a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 has been notified from April 1, 2026.

The minister said there is no proposal to revert to E0 or E10 petrol, as the transition to E20 was undertaken following extensive consultations with automobile manufacturers and other stakeholders, supported by comprehensive testing of engine durability, emissions, fuel systems and performance.

He added that maintaining parallel nationwide supply chains for E0, E10 and E20 fuels would significantly increase logistics and inventory costs, while the government's policy remains focused on promoting cleaner fuels, enhancing energy security and reducing emissions.

(KNN Bureau)