Centre issues fresh statement on E20 mileage row

The Central government has clarified perspectives on the ongoing debate surrounding E20 petrol and vehicle mileage, insisting that fuel consumption cannot solely be attributed to the ethanol blend. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas highlighted that factors like traffic, driving style, tyre pressure, maintenance, and air-conditioner use significantly impact mileage, according to a statement on X. They emphasized that E20 petrol has undergone rigorous testing and validation, but actual mileage can vary based on vehicle condition and usage circumstances.

The government acknowledged that E20 can lead to a 3-5% decrease in fuel economy in certain vehicles, but stresses that road mileage cannot be attributed solely to the fuel blend. India's expansion of ethanol blending in petrol aims to reduce crude oil imports and boost domestic ethanol usage. Oil companies have rejected concerns about contamination, stating that chloride levels in E20 petrol tests consistently fell below the prescribed limit.

Over 90,000 fuel stations were inspected, with no evidence of water contamination detected, countering worries about moisture affecting vehicle performance. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also affirmed that oil companies conducted extensive testing, detecting only a few contamination cases. The government's statement attempts to differentiate between the impact of ethanol blending on fuel economy and allegations of poor fuel quality, asserting that real-world fuel consumption depends on the complex interplay of fuel, vehicle, and driving conditions.