E20 Petrol: The introduction of E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol, is causing concern for vehicle owners across the country. While the government describes this as a historic step toward green energy, many citizens are rejecting it. A recent survey indicates that this new fuel blend may be reducing vehicle mileage and increasing costs for users.
What does the survey say?
According to a local survey, eight out of ten vehicle owners who purchased their vehicles in 2022 or earlier have expressed concerns about this petrol type. They reported decreased fuel efficiency since 2025. The survey included 36,000 vehicle owners from 323 districts, with 69% being men and 31% women. Nearly half of the respondents are from Tier-1 cities, while the rest are from Tier-2, smaller towns, or rural areas.
E20 petrol became available nationwide in April 2025. Since then, complaints regarding mileage and vehicle performance have significantly increased, particularly among cars and two-wheelers purchased before 2023. Despite the government’s claims that this fuel is safe for all vehicles, owners are reporting decreased mileage after using E20 petrol. Many customers have shared their experiences on social media, with some stating that their cars wouldn’t start in the morning or that they were spending significant amounts on repairs due to engine failures. One luxury car owner in Chennai reported spending around ₹4 lakh to fix his engine, which failed due to E20. Mechanics in various cities have noted a nearly 40% rise in fuel-related complaints since April.
However, industry experts previously estimated that using petrol blended with 20% ethanol could lead to a 2-5% decrease in fuel efficiency. They noted that differences could arise based on car variants. As discussions unfold on social media regarding the impacts of E20 fuel on vehicles, some engineers from major automotive companies have responded, indicating that older vehicles not designed for E20 may face long-term damage to gaskets, fuel rubber hoses, and pipes, although immediate effects are not expected.
