Transport Minister Gadkari stated in parliament that E20 gasoline can reduce fuel consumption by 6%

The Minister of Road Transport informed Parliament that the use of gasoline mixed with 20% ethanol (E20) could potentially decrease the fuel efficiency of vehicles by between 2% and 6%. This loss of efficiency depends on the vehicle's category and age, as well as the operating conditions on roads and highways.

Test Results and Advantages of E20

Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament on Thursday, emphasizing that extensive tests have shown no signs of engine failures related to this fuel. In a written response to Lok Sabha, it was stated that joint studies conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) indicated that while E20 may slightly reduce consumption, it provides improved acceleration, more comfortable driving, and approximately 30% lower carbon emissions compared to E10 fuel.

Testing Overview and Standards

Gadkari noted that no failures caused by E20 were recorded during dynamic dynamometer tests and road trials. The study assessed the impact of E20 on two- and four-wheeled vehicles running on BS-III, BS-IV, and BS-VI standard gasoline, using standard certification procedures as well as special testing protocols developed in collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Concerns and Support for Transition

The introduction of E20 gasoline, which is a mixture of 80% gasoline and 20% ethanol, drew criticism from opposition parties and consumer groups. These groups questioned the compatibility of the fuel with older models, potential decreases in economy, rising maintenance costs, and liability in case of engine or fuel system damage. Nevertheless, the government insists that the transition has been gradual and supported by scientific evidence. Automobile manufacturers have also stated that they continue to honor warranty obligations for vehicles running on E20.

Ethanol Blending Program

Gadkari explained that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program is being implemented through a phased and consultative process involving NITI Aayog, oil marketing companies, automakers, ARAI, SIAM, the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), and other technical institutions. He recalled that the ethanol blending program in India began as a pilot project in 2001, and E5 fuel was introduced in 2006. After establishing the necessary production capacity, infrastructure, and regulatory framework, the level of ethanol blending, which was around 1.53% in 2013–14, began to rise steadily.

Safety and Operational Experience

According to Gadkari, E15+ fuel has been in use for over three and a half years, and E19-E20 fuel has been used for over two and a half years. More than 200 million two-wheelers and over 30 million passenger cars operate on ethanol-blended fuel without any confirmed evidence of widespread failures or breakdowns caused by ethanol blending. The minister also stated that manufacturer service data confirms the absence of abnormal corrosion, wear, or reduced lifespan of vehicles due to E20, strengthening confidence in its reliability and safety.

timesofindia.indiatimes.comJuly 29, 13:36

Minister Nitin Gadkari comments on concerns regarding the use of E20 gasoline and its impact on fuel consumption

The government has stated that extensive studies have not revealed significant problems with the performance or durability of vehicles running on E20 gasoline, asserting that even older cars generally do not require engine modifications to use this fuel.

Findings of E20 Studies

In a written response to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari reported that tests did not find issues in parameters such as handling, starting capability, metal compatibility, and plastic compatibility.

Addressing concerns about fuel efficiency, Gadkari emphasized that automakers and vehicle testing agencies have clarified that fuel consumption depends on numerous factors and cannot be solely attributed to the type of fuel used.

Joint Assessment of Fuel Impact

He mentioned that a joint study conducted by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) in Dehradun, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) assessed the impact of E20 fuel on two- and four-wheeled vehicles.

Gadkari stated: 'The studies confirmed that even older vehicles did not show significant changes in performance, nor did they exhibit abnormal wear when operating on E20 fuel.' He added that the studies did not indicate a need to modify car or motorcycle engines for E20 use.

Maintenance Requirements for Older Models

However, Gadkari noted that some rubber parts and gaskets in BS-III vehicles manufactured between April 1, 2005, and 2016 might require replacement. He explained that this is easily resolved as part of routine vehicle maintenance.

Criticism and Government Stance

The introduction of E20 gasoline, which is a mixture of 80% gasoline and 20% ethanol, has faced criticism from opposition parties and some consumer groups due to its potential impact on older vehicles that were not originally designed for higher ethanol concentrations. Critics raised questions about vehicle compatibility, feared reduced fuel efficiency and increased maintenance costs, and demanded clarity regarding liability in case of engine or fuel system damage.

The government insists that the transition was gradual and backed by extensive testing, while automakers state that they continue to honor warranty obligations for vehicles using E20 fuel. Opposition parties have repeatedly called for greater transparency regarding vehicle compatibility and consumer protection.

Committee and Roadmap

Gadkari informed that an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), established under NITI Aayog on December 26, 2020, thoroughly examined the aspects of vehicle compatibility and fuel efficiency when blending ethanol. This assessment was supported by studies conducted by IOCL, ARAI, and SIAM.

The roadmap for ethanol blending in India for the period 2020–2025, published in June 2021, was developed after extensive consultations with automakers, oil marketing companies, and agricultural experts. It covered material compatibility, engine calibration, fuel systems, handling, durability, emissions, and fuel efficiency prior to the introduction of E20 fuel.

Gadkari stressed that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program is being implemented through a phased, calibrated, scientifically sound, and consultative approach. He also noted that ethanol-containing fuel has been used worldwide for over a century, with countries like Brazil using even higher ethanol concentrations for decades.

In India, the EBP program began as a pilot project in 2001, and E5 fuel was introduced in 2006. Although ethanol blending remained at around 1.53% until 2013–2014, it has since gradually increased following the creation of necessary production capacity, infrastructure, and regulatory framework. Before the launch of E20 in April 2026, extensive laboratory studies, durability tests, and field checks were conducted to assess engine longevity, material compatibility, fuel system integrity, corrosion resistance, handling, emissions, fuel economy, and overall vehicle performance. The BS standard, or Bharat Stage, refers to India's vehicle emission standards, which set limits for pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM).