E20 Petrol Not Sole Cause of Low Mileage, Says Govt

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said vehicle mileage depends on driving habits, traffic, tyre pressure and AC usage, and cannot be blamed on E20 petrol alone. In an August 15 post on X, the ministry said E20 had undergone extensive testing and validation, and that real-world mileage depends on overall driving and vehicle conditions.

The clarification follows widespread social media claims that 20% ethanol-blended petrol reduces mileage and harms performance. The government previously acknowledged that vehicles designed for E10 may see a marginal 3, 5% fuel economy drop, as minister Suresh Gopi told Rajya Sabha last month. But it said extensive laboratory and field trials by ARAI, SIAM, IOCL and IIP have not established any widespread adverse impact on vehicle performance or abnormal wear and tear.

The ministry emphasised that ethanol raises octane ratings, helping resist engine knocking. It also said it has not received substantiated complaints from vehicle manufacturers or consumer organisations about E20's effect on fuel efficiency or maintenance costs.