Automotive industry finds contaminated E20 fuel damages vehicle parts and calls for government action

Due to the growing demand for the release of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) report on the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles compatible with E10, government bodies are studying the possibility of its publication to dispel misconceptions among car users.

According to TOI, since the study was conducted on specific models of two-wheelers and cars, model details may not be disclosed due to the commercial interests of vehicle manufacturers. One official noted that the government referenced this study and its findings when answering questions in Parliament, leading to the opinion that the report should be made publicly available so that people can be assured that E20 fuel does not negatively affect engines.

In June 2021, the Ministry of Petroleum instructed ARAI and IOCL, together with SIAM, to conduct this study. The report was presented in June 2024. The study showed that for two-wheelers meeting the E10 standard, fuel consumption increased by 1–6%, and mass emissions complied with regulatory requirements. For BS-IV standard cars, the increase in fuel consumption was 2–4%, while for BS-VI standard cars, it was 2–3%.

The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF) has filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to prevent the implementation of the new composition of Brazilian gasoline, which involves a higher addition of ethanol to the mixture. Through a public civil action, the body seeks to suspend the governmental determination that raised the mandatory percentage of ethanol in gasoline from 30% (E30) to 32% (E32).

The request aims to keep the change suspended until detailed technical studies are conducted to confirm the safety of the new fuel for vehicles circulating in the country, thereby ensuring consumer protection and clarity in energy guidelines.

Reasoning for the MPF's Action

The core of the challenge presented by the MPF lies in the adopted procedure. The National Council of Energy Policy (CNPE) allegedly approved this modification on July 14th without conducting adequate impact analysis or presenting scientific proof that the measure is applicable to the national fleet.

The action argues that the Union used research data from the previous 30% blend, exploiting the existing 2% tolerance margin in those tests. However, the MPF points out that these studies were designed only to evaluate performance and drivability with E30, not to validate E32 as a definitive and compulsory standard.

Mechanical and Environmental Risks

According to the body, there is a lack of definitive evaluations regarding component longevity, emission levels, autonomy, and compatibility with the diversity of the fleet. Furthermore, the E32 specification includes up to 34% ethanol, a range that has also not been validated.

In practice, the action alleges that increasing the alcohol content can cause corrosion in metal parts, lead to premature wear of pumps, and generate failures in electronic injection systems, with the risks being most pronounced in motorcycles, older, and imported vehicles. The MPF considers that the State must be responsible for guaranteeing the safety of the product sold at gas stations, since the driver does not select the fuel according to their vehicle's design.

Anfavea also expressed concern, as it historically requires extensive engineering tests before allowing an increase in the amount of ethanol. Additionally, the MPF highlights a neglected environmental impact: even if ethanol helps reduce atmospheric pollution, accelerated wear of parts can result in faster disposal of materials such as metals, plastics, and rubbers, increasing the volume of automotive waste.

Context of the Blend Change

This discussion occurs shortly after the introduction of E30 itself. The 30% blend only came into effect on August 1, 2025, replacing E27, following tests conducted by the Mauá Institute of Technology and approval by the CNPE. Less than a year later, the government decided to advance to the next level, with E32 scheduled to begin on August 1, 2026, having an initial validity of 180 days, subject to extension.

The Executive Branch justifies the change as a strategy to decrease dependence on imported gasoline and achieve greater energy sovereignty, citing studies from the Mauá Institute that supposedly confirm the viability of E32 in light automobiles and motorcycles. The Future Fuel Law already authorizes reaching 35% (E35), provided its technical viability is proven, which is exactly the point the MPF contests.