Petrol vehicle owners are concerned over their E20 fuel, a survey by LocalCircles found. Many say the 20% ethanol-blended petrol has reduced mileage, raised maintenance costs, and led to wider debate on potential long-term risks for vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends.
The survey collected over 37,000 responses from 331 districts, according to Business Standard. About 28% of petrol vehicle owners, mainly those with vehicles purchased in 2022 or earlier, reported unusual wear or repairs after the E20 rollout in 2025. Newer or E20-ready vehicles generally remain unaffected.
Nearly two out of every three respondents reported lower fuel efficiency with E20 petrol, as ethanol’s lower energy content can reduce mileage by 2–5%. Older or non-E20-compliant vehicles are most affected, while newer or E20-ready models generally maintain normal efficiency. Many suggested E20 be optional and discounted.
Responses reflected broad demographics across India: 42% were from tier-1 cities, 30% from tier-2, while 28% came from smaller towns and rural areas. The widespread feedback highlights that concerns over reduced mileage and higher costs from E20 petrol are not limited to one consumer segment.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, however, has defended the use of E20, asking critics to flag vehicle models that have faced issues due to it. The petroleum ministry has also dismissed worries, saying many vehicles manufactured since 2009 are compatible and that E20-ready engines offer better acceleration and lower temperatures.
Consumers remain unhappy, citing falling mileage and rising repair costs, mainly in older or non-E20-compliant vehicles. In Delhi, non-blended petrol was sold at ₹160 per litre, highlighting limited options and forcing some owners to use E20 despite potential risks.
Automotive engineers caution that non-E20-compliant vehicles risk gradual damage to gaskets, and rubber pipes. Ethanol’s lower calorific value could reduce mileage by 2–5%. Carmakers like Jeep warn in manuals that using blends above 10% can cause permanent damage, engine malfunction, and material degradation.
Carmakers admit that vehicles require technical upgrades to safely run on E20 petrol. These include ethanol-resistant gaskets, recalibration of the engine control unit, and changes to fuel delivery systems. Tata Motors has already confirmed its vehicles are compatible with the new fuel blend.
Meanwhile, E20 fuel promises lower emissions. Yet, its roll-out has raised worries for older vehicle owners. With consumers, experts, and automakers still divided, the debate over affordability and long-term safety of using Ethanol-blended fuel is far from over.
