India’s ambitious switch to E20 fuel—petrol blended with 20% ethanol—has sparked widespread confusion and concern amongst motorists, despite assurances from officials and automotive manufacturers that the new blend is safe for use.
The fuel was introduced at select pumps in April 2023 and has been rolled out across India since April 2025, replacing the 10% ethanol fuel (E10) that most cars were originally designed to use. Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri recently announced that the 20% ethanol blending target had been achieved, more than five years ahead of the original target of 2030.
However, the rapid implementation has left many drivers bewildered. In recent weeks, older fuel blends like E10 and E5 have ceased to be available, leaving consumers with no choice but to use E20 fuel at nearly 90,000 petrol stations nationwide.
Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of Mahindra & Mahindra’s automotive division, acknowledged that whilst E20 is safe to use, vehicles may experience reduced mileage and acceleration. The company is preparing an advisory document for customers, expected to be released next week. Speaking at an industry conference, Gollagunta’s comments came amid mounting pressure from worried motorists who have taken to social media platforms expressing concerns about conflicting information from carmakers.
The confusion intensified when manufacturers initially stated that E20 had not been tested for compatibility with older vehicles, only to later backtrack and declare the fuel safe. This flip-flopping has undermined public confidence in the transition programme.
Government Response and Benefits
The Indian government maintains that concerns are largely unfounded. The government’s ethanol programme aims to cut costly oil imports by blending petrol with ethanol, a biofuel derived from agricultural produce or organic waste that burns more cleanly than traditional gasoline. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari dismissed social media campaigns against E20 as "politically motivated."
Officials acknowledge that older vehicles may require replacement of certain rubber components and gaskets but describe this as a "simple process." India’s push for E20 petrol is part of the country’s plan to cut crude oil imports and reduce tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions.
Vehicle Compatibility Concerns
The primary worry centres around compatibility with older vehicles. Vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2023 are E10-compliant, whereas all vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are required to be E20-compliant. However, all new vehicles currently sold in India are E20 compliant, but those manufactured before 2024 are not entirely compatible.
Ethanol has a different chemical composition than pure petrol, which can affect engine performance, reduce fuel efficiency by a small margin (1-3%), and, in older vehicles not designed for ethanol, potentially cause long-term engine wear.
Car drivers, especially owners of older vehicles, have reported anecdotal findings of decreased mileage or engine lag, though these have not been systematically confirmed. Older vehicles are not suitable to run on E20 petrol, potentially putting them at risk of engine damage.
The transition represents a significant shift in India’s energy landscape, with the government viewing ethanol blending as crucial for energy security and environmental protection. However, the implementation has highlighted the challenges of balancing ambitious policy goals with practical consumer concerns, particularly for owners of older vehicles who face potential costs for component replacements or reduced vehicle performance.
As India moves forward with this green energy initiative, clearer communication and support for affected motorists will be essential to ensure a smoother transition to sustainable transportation fuels.
