Ethanol-Blended Petrol Sparks Challenges for Mechanics, Customers

Rapid Summary

• The Supreme Court dismissed a petition on September 1, 2025, challenging the nationwide rollout of E-20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol).
• Seasoned mechanics report challenges with older vehicles due to E-20 usage, citing issues such as carburettor malfunction, engine misfiring during acceleration, rusting inside fuel systems, reduced mileage, and irregular idling.
• Customers of vehicles like the Gypsy have noted temporary improvements using premium high-octane petrol (XP-100),but this is cost-prohibitive at ₹160 per litre.
• Reports from mechanics indicate ethanolS reactive properties are causing deterioration in rubber components and metal parts within the fuel system. Professor Kamal Krishna highlighted instances where small holes in rubber tubes caused some vehicle fires after attracting bugs.
• E-20-compliant newer vehicle models are less affected by these issues compared to older ones designed pre-pandemic without accommodating ethanol-blended fuels’ properties.
• A technical committee has urged Kerala’s state government to commission a detailed study through Automobile Research Association of India on the mechanical complaints and accidental fires believed to be linked to E-20 use.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The nationwide adoption of E-20 reflects India’s efforts to reduce fossil fuel reliance and carbon emissions using biofuels like ethanol derived from biomass. However,its rollout exposes a important mismatch between policy aspirations and infrastructure adaptability across various vehicle generations. Older vehicles appear disproportionately affected due to their design limitations when exposed to biofuel’s reactive properties.

This situation highlights the importance of proactive research and engineering modifications capable of complementing environmental goals while easing consumer transitions toward sustainable practices. Vehicle owners burdened by recurring repairs or high-cost alternatives like XP-100 face tangible concerns needing regulatory remedies or subsidies for modernisation incentives.

Moreover,reports linking ethanol’s effects on components leading indirectly toward fire hazards signal critical safety concerns that necessitate urgent inquiry from authorities like ARAI before scaling further blending initiatives nationally.

Read More: The Hindu