E20 Petrol May Reduce Mileage by 2–6% :Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has acknowledged that vehicles using E20 petrol may experience a 2% to 6% reduction in fuel efficiency, depending on the vehicle model and year of manufacture. Responding to questions in Parliament on Thursday, Gadkari clarified that despite the slight drop in mileage, there is no scientific evidence linking E20 fuel to engine failures. He said studies conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) concluded that E20 fuel is safe for vehicles.

The minister stated that E20 fuel provides better acceleration, improved ride quality and nearly 30% lower carbon emissions compared to E10 fuel. He added that some BS-III vehicles manufactured before 2016 may require replacement of certain rubber components and gaskets during routine servicing, but no engine modifications are necessary. Gadkari also said the government is implementing the E20 fuel programme in a phased and scientific manner, and automobile manufacturers continue to honour warranties for E20-compatible vehicles.