Ethanol blending: Environmental win or engine risk? Govt clears the air on E20 petrol
Fuel efficiency impact is marginal, not drastic
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Corrosion concerns overstated; standards are in place
Environmental and economic gains from ethanol blending
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Amid concerns circulating on social media about E20 petrol—fuel blended with 20% ethanol, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a detailed clarification debunking claims that the new fuel causes a significant drop in fuel efficiency or damages vehicle engines.In a public statement and posts on social media, the ministry said the allegations are 'factually incorrect' and not backed by scientific research or industry evidence.Addressing the core concern around mileage, it clarified that while ethanol does have a lower energy density than petrol, the effect on mileage is relatively minor and manageable.'The allegation that E20 leads to drastic drop in fuel efficiency is factually incorrect,' the ministry said.Citing expert analysis, the government stated that vehicles designed for E10 (10% ethanol blend) and calibrated to run on E20 show only a 1–2% reduction in mileage.For vehicles that aren't specifically tuned for E20, the drop could be slightly higher—around 3–6%—but even that can be mitigated with improved engine tuning and compatible parts.The government highlighted that Indian automakers have already adapted to the shift. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), vehicles built with E20-compatible parts have been on sale since April 2023.These models include upgraded rubber components and fuel system materials that resist ethanol-related wear and tear, making them safe and efficient for long-term use with blended fuels.On the issue of possible damage to fuel systems, the Petroleum Ministry noted that well-defined safety protocols and material standards already exist. E20 fuel is governed by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) specifications and Automotive Industry Standards, ensuring vehicle and user safety.In some older vehicles, the ministry acknowledged, minor changes—such as replacing rubber hoses or gaskets—might be needed after 20,000 to 30,000 kilometres. However, these parts are inexpensive and typically replaced during regular maintenance anyway.Beyond addressing concerns, the ministry also outlined the performance and environmental advantages of ethanol blending Ethanol has a much higher octane rating (~108.5) compared to petrol (~84.4), which improves combustion efficiency and boosts performance in modern engines. 'Vehicles tuned for E20 (having increased RON) deliver even higher performance,' the ministry said.Additionally, ethanol's higher heat of vaporization helps lower the intake manifold temperature, increasing air-fuel mixture density and, in turn, engine efficiency. This means engines can run cooler and smoother while extracting more energy per combustion cycle.Ethanol is a renewable fuel, and its production in India has expanded beyond sugarcane to include surplus rice, maize, damaged food grains, and agricultural residues under second-generation biofuel initiatives.A study by NITI Aayog found that ethanol from sugarcane emits 65% less greenhouse gases than petrol, while ethanol from maize cuts emissions by 50%.Since the ethanol blending programme began, the country has also reaped significant economic benefits. According to the ministry, ethanol blending has saved over ₹1.40 lakh crore in crude oil imports since 2014-15. Moreover, it has resulted in payments of ₹1.20 lakh crore to farmers, supporting rural economies and generating employment.Carbon emissions have also dropped—ethanol blending is estimated to have cut 700 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide over the years.
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