No Drastic Mileage Loss with E20 Petrol, Government Confirms

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas clarified that E20 petrol does not cause drastic mileage loss, dismissing recent claims factually inaccurate and unscientific.

To address public concerns, the ministry said the claims were not supported by data and credible experts.

In a detailed statement, the government explained that vehicles designed for E10, but still calibrated for E20 petrol, might experience a very small effect on mileage of about 1-2%.

Other vehicles were estimated at 3-6%, which can be cut down on with better engine tuning and E20-compliant parts already used by an industry leader. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), E20-ready vehicles have been in production since April 2023.

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Regarding the worry about corrosion, the ministry states that E20 petrol is still tested under established standards for safety regarding price compliance under Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) and Automotive Industry Standards, (AIS). Older vehicles may require certain parts after 20,000-30,000 km. However, these parts are inexpensive and typically only require replacement during servicing.

From an environmental and performance standpoint, ethanol—a key component in E20—offers clear advantages. Ethanol’s higher octane number enhances engine performance and efficiency, while its renewable nature reduces greenhouse gas emissions. A NITI Aayog study shows ethanol from sugarcane and maize cuts emissions by up to 65%.

The government also highlighted that ethanol blending strengthens India’s energy security, saving over ₹1.40 lakh crore in crude oil imports since 2014 and significantly supporting farmer incomes and rural employment.