Petrol blended with 20% ethanol may reduce fuel economy by 2%-6%: Nitin Gadkari
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that petrol blended with 20% ethanol (E20) may reduce fuel economy by 2%-6%, depending on the vehicle category and age. However, he argued that engine durability tests conducted on dynamometers and on-road vehicle trials did not report any failures due to the use of E20 fuel.
According to Gadkari, E20 also offers better acceleration, improved ride quality and around 30% lower carbon emissions compared to E10 fuel. The findings are based on a joint study conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL). The study evaluated the impact of E20 on BS-III, BS-IV and BS-VI petrol-powered two-wheelers and four-wheelers through standard certification tests and customised protocols developed in consultation with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
While acknowledging that fuel economy could decline by 2%-6%, he maintained that the tests confirmed E20 does not compromise engine reliability. The nationwide rollout of E20 petrol, comprising 80% petrol and 20% ethanol, has faced criticism from opposition parties and consumer groups, who have raised concerns about its impact on older vehicles not specifically designed for 20% ethanol blends.
