The Centre has asserted that E20 petrol does not adversely affect modern vehicles, stating that scientific studies found no significant impact on engine durability, vehicle performance, drivability or Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission compliance.
According to the government's findings, BS-VI-compliant vehicles continue to meet prescribed emission standards while operating on E20 fuel. It also said tests conducted on older vehicles did not reveal any significant deterioration in performance or abnormal wear and tear. The assessment found no major concerns relating to drivability, cold starts, or the compatibility of E20 fuel with metal and plastic components.
The government said contemporary passenger vehicles and two-wheelers do not require engine modifications to run on E20 petrol. However, it noted that some BS-III vehicles introduced from April 1, 2005, as well as certain models manufactured before 2016, may need replacement of rubber components or gaskets during routine servicing. It clarified that such replacements are part of normal maintenance and should not be construed as evidence of major mechanical defects.
Responding to concerns over reduced fuel efficiency, the Centre said mileage is influenced by multiple factors beyond ethanol blending. Driving patterns, engine upkeep, timely oil changes, tyre pressure, wheel alignment, air filter condition and air-conditioner usage all play a role in determining fuel economy, it said.
The government also highlighted that an Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted by NITI Aayog on December 26, 2020, had examined issues relating to vehicle compatibility, mileage and fuel efficiency before recommending higher ethanol blending levels. The committee's conclusions were based on technical studies undertaken by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
Reiterating that the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme has followed a phased rollout, the Centre said the initiative began as a pilot project in 2001 before the introduction of E5 fuel in 2006. Blending levels were subsequently increased in stages after production capacity, fuel distribution infrastructure and regulatory systems were strengthened.
Citing inputs from SIAM, the government said it has not received verified reports of widespread engine failures or vehicle breakdowns attributable to E20 petrol. It added that concerns regarding engine damage, lower mileage and accelerated wear have largely surfaced through public discourse and social media rather than documented large-scale technical evidence.
Maintaining its support for the ethanol blending programme, the Centre said available scientific evidence does not indicate any widespread adverse impact of E20 petrol on modern vehicles. At the same time, it acknowledged that some older vehicles may require replacement of a few rubber components during periodic maintenance as part of their normal service life.