# Govt admits E20 cuts fuel economy by 2-6% 2026-08-15T20:38:35+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets (3 source reports) Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, told the Lok Sabha that E20 petrol can reduce fuel economy by 2 to 6 per cent depending on vehicle category and vintage. However, he said engine durability tests on dynamometers and on-road vehicle tests have not shown any failures due to E20. Separately, Minister of State Suresh Gopi said the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme was implemented after scientific validation involving NITI Aayog, ARAI, SIAM, and oil marketing companies. The Frontline report presents a contrasting view, stating that E20's lower calorific value results in a mileage drop of over 7 per cent. It also highlights user complaints of corrosion in fuel components, leading to higher repair costs, which mechanics and automakers have confirmed. The report alleges the government initially denied any mileage loss and later attributed it to driving habits. Over 20 crore two-wheelers and 3 crore four-wheelers are currently using E20 fuel. The rollout has drawn criticism from opposition parties and consumer groups, who worry about older vehicles not designed for 20 per cent ethanol blends. The government maintains the policy followed a phased, consultative approach. ## Coverage - frontline.thehindu.com - thehansindia.com - thehansindia.com (2) This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above. Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources. Last updated 2026-08-16T02:53:40+00:00. Tags: BJP, E20, ethanol blending, PIB Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/e20-policy-faces-backlash-over-mileage-and-costs/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/e20-policy-faces-backlash-over-mileage-and-costs/#story-in-brief How this brief was made: an AI model read the reports linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. Stance labels are editorial classifications of how each outlet framed this story, assigned by the same model, not ratings of the outlets. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/