E20 Petrol Debate in India: What 28% of Older Car Owners Are Reporting

—

by

Himanshu
in ,

The rollout of E20 petrol—a fuel blend containing 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol—has triggered intense debate among vehicle owners across India. While the government highlights environmental benefits and reduced dependence on imported fuel, a large number of owners of older petrol cars have begun reporting unexpected maintenance issues and lower mileage. This article takes a deep dive into what is happening, why it matters, and what you can do as a car owner.

What is E20 Petrol

E20 petrol is a fuel mixture of 20 percent ethanol (a biofuel produced mainly from sugarcane or grains) and 80 percent petrol. Ethanol has a lower carbon footprint and can help reduce India’s fuel import bill. However, higher ethanol content also changes how engines behave.

  • Lower energy content than pure petrol, which may cause a drop in mileage.
  • Higher corrosive properties, which can cause wear and tear on parts like fuel lines, injectors, and seals if the engine is not designed for ethanol.

Car Owners’ Experiences

A recent survey of petrol car owners across India has revealed significant concerns. Many are noticing that their cars, especially those manufactured before 2022, are showing signs of increased maintenance needs. Below is a snapshot of the reported experiences:

Issue Reported by Car Owners (2025)Percentage of Respondents
Unusual wear and tear or repairs in cars bought in 2022 or earlier28%
Noticeable drop in fuel efficiency or mileage66%
Support for E20 if priced 20% cheaper or optional52%
Comfortable using E20 as-is without price cut30%

The numbers indicate a clear divide between the benefits promised by E20 petrol and the on-ground experience of vehicle owners.

Why Older Cars May Be More Vulnerable

Not all vehicles are built to handle high ethanol blends. Older petrol cars, especially pre-2022 models, may have:

  • Fuel lines, tanks, and seals made from materials less resistant to ethanol.
  • Engine calibration tuned for E10 or pure petrol, not E20.
  • Electronic control units (ECUs) and injectors that may not be optimized for higher ethanol content.

These factors combined can lead to premature wear, increased maintenance costs, and reduced performance.

Government’s Push for E20

The E20 policy aims to reduce the carbon footprint, cut down on crude oil imports, and promote energy independence. Blending ethanol with petrol helps farmers by increasing demand for sugarcane and other feedstock crops. The government also expects lower vehicular emissions as ethanol burns cleaner than petrol.

However, the transition to E20 requires infrastructure upgrades and consumer confidence. Fuel stations must clearly label pumps, and vehicle manufacturers need to educate customers on whether their models are E20 compatible.

Impact on Performance and Maintenance

The biggest complaint from car owners so far is about fuel efficiency. Since ethanol has a lower calorific value than petrol, a drop in mileage is almost inevitable. Additionally, ethanol attracts moisture, which can accelerate corrosion inside the fuel system of cars not designed for it. Rubber and plastic parts may harden or crack sooner.

While newer cars launched after 2023 are increasingly being made E20-ready, owners of older vehicles may need to adopt preventive measures. These include more frequent maintenance checks, timely replacement of fuel filters, and using additives recommended by manufacturers.

Recommendations for Car Owners

  1. Check Compatibility: Refer to your car manual or manufacturer’s website to confirm if your model is E20 compatible.
  2. Regular Maintenance: Increase the frequency of inspections for the fuel system, seals, and injectors.
  3. Fuel Station Awareness: Always ensure that the fuel pump is properly labeled and that you know which blend you are purchasing.
  4. Plan for Reduced Mileage: Factor in the potential drop in mileage when budgeting for fuel.
  5. Consult Service Centers: If you notice unusual noises, performance dips, or leaks, get your vehicle checked at an authorized service center.

The Road Ahead

India’s journey toward cleaner fuels is inevitable, but it requires balancing environmental goals with consumer interests. The introduction of E20 petrol is a significant milestone, but until older vehicles are phased out or retrofitted, there will likely be a transition period marked by complaints and adaptation.

Manufacturers, government agencies, and fuel companies must work together to provide clear guidelines, phase-wise implementation, and consumer support. Incentives for retrofitting older cars or offering alternative fuel options could ease the shift and build trust.

Disclaimer

This article is based on publicly available developments and industry trends regarding E20 petrol and its effects on vehicles in India. It is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered as mechanical or legal advice. Vehicle owners should consult their manufacturers or authorized service centers for guidance specific to their models.