Nitin Gadkari Tells Parliament How E20 Petrol Affects Vehicles

Motorists using E20 petrol could see fuel economy fall by 2 to 6 per cent, although the blend offers lower emissions and has not caused proven engine failures, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has told Parliament. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Gadkari said the impact of E20 fuel on mileage varies depending on the type and age of a vehicle.

A joint study by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) found that fuel efficiency may decline by between 2 and 6 per cent across BS-III, BS-IV and BS-VI petrol-powered two-wheelers and four-wheelers.

The assessment included certification tests alongside customised evaluation protocols developed with vehicle manufacturers. Gadkari said engine durability tests conducted on dynamometers, as well as extensive on-road trials, did not record any engine failures linked to the use of E20 petrol.