Petrol blended with 20% ethanol, known as E20, can reduce fuel economy by 2 to 6%, depending on the vehicle category and vintage, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament on Thursday. The announcement was made during a session where the minister addressed concerns about the impact of ethanol blending on vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, highlighting recent findings on E20 usage.
The minister explained that while E20 petrol may lower fuel economy by the stated margin, tests conducted on engine durability using dynamometers and on-road vehicle trials have not revealed any failures attributable to the ethanol blend. Nitin Gadkari emphasized that these assessments covered a range of vehicle types and ages, aiming to ensure that the blend's adoption would not compromise engine reliability or safety.
The introduction of E20 petrol is part of India’s broader strategy to increase ethanol blending in fuels, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. The 2-6% reduction in fuel economy is a critical factor for consumers and manufacturers, as it affects running costs and vehicle performance. This development follows earlier phases of ethanol blending, such as E10, and aligns with government targets to reach 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26, a goal that has implications for the country’s energy security and environmental commitments.
The government’s continued monitoring and testing of E20’s effects on vehicles will inform future policy decisions. The ethanol blending target of 20% is scheduled for implementation in the upcoming fiscal year, with the ministry overseeing compliance and performance metrics across vehicle segments to balance environmental benefits with consumer impact.