'Mileage depends on more than fuel': Govt allays E20 concerns; cites 'driving habits', 'AC usage' amid intense debate
The government has sought to allay concerns over E20 petrol and mileage, saying fuel economy depends on driving, traffic, maintenance, tyre pressure and AC use. It said E20 has undergone extensive testing and validation.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has attempted to alleviate concerns surrounding ethanol-blended petrol, emphasizing that vehicle mileage is influenced by multiple factors beyond fuel alone. Driving habits, traffic conditions, vehicle maintenance, tyre pressure, and air conditioning usage all contribute to fuel efficiency, according to the ministry's statement on X on August 15.
E20 petrol, comprising 20% ethanol blended with petrol, has undergone rigorous testing and validation. While real-world mileage is contingent on overall driving conditions and vehicle parameters, the ministry asserts that extensive evaluations support the compatibility and performance of E20. These assessments encompass engine durability, drivability, startability, material compatibility, corrosion resistance, emissions, and fuel efficiency.
Real-world fuel efficiency depends on driving habits, vehicle maintenance, tyre pressure, wheel alignment, and air-conditioning load, stated the ministry. Ethanol blends contribute to higher octane ratings, which enhance engine performance by reducing knocking and ensuring efficient operation. The E20 Blended Petrol programme commenced in 2001, with E5 introduced in 2006, progressively increasing ethanol content after establishing production capacity, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks.
The government has maintained that the rollout of higher ethanol blends was carried out in consultation with automobile manufacturers, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), component manufacturers, testing agencies, and oil marketing companies. Prabhakar Jha, a journalist with a decade of experience, represents LiveMint, a digital news platform, in this account.
The government's latest clarification follows concerns raised by vehicle owners regarding potential impacts of higher ethanol blending on mileage and performance, which have been fueled by social media claims and videos.
Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
