Latest news with #E20-compatible
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
E20 Fuel Leads To Enhanced Mileage, Reduces Carbon Emissions: Centre
The Government of India introduced E20 fuel in April 2023 to reduce carbon emissions and advance national sustainability goals. However, the fuel has recently stirred controversy, as users flooded social media with claims of worsened fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. However, the government has already justified its stance via an X post, claiming that the media reports are not supported by scientific evidence or expert analysis. In the same X post, the ministry highlighted that usage of the E20 fuel may lead to a decrease in mileage by 1-2 percent in four-wheelers and 3-6 percent in non-compliant vehicles. Previously, the government also addressed the concerns by claiming that the drop in fuel efficiency is drastic and suggested that E20 users complaining about the issue must use E20-compatible material and replace older rubber components after 20,000-30,000 km. Now, amid a backlash over the introduction of 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol (E20), the Centre has not only emphasised that the move will help reduce pollution and save money on oil imports, but also said that the formulation leads to better acceleration and even ride quality. On claims that mileage has taken a significant hit because of E20 petrol, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said they had been anticipated as far back as 2020. Mileage, it also said, is influenced by several factors, including driving habits, maintenance, tyre pressure, and "air conditioning load". Also, recently, the Oil Ministry has clarified its stance and stated that the E-20 gives better acceleration and better ride quality. Ethanol's higher-octane number (108.5 compared to petrol's 84.4) makes Ethanol-blended fuels a valuable alternative, as ethanol's higher heat of vaporization reduces intake manifold temperatures and it reduces CO2 emissions by up to 30%; higher octane improves acceleration and performance. Adding further, the Government says the fuel efficiency drop is marginal, if any; older vehicles may need minor rubber part replacement. As per reports, Ethanol blending has saved Rs 1.44 lakh crore in forex and has reduced crude imports by 245 lakh MT since 2014. The ministry also highlighted the benefits of the E20 fuel on other sectors, stating that the ethanol is seen as a key rural income booster, and farmers are expected to benefit with Rs 40,000 crore payment in 2025. Discussing its plan, the Government also said that the claims that E20 voids vehicle insurance are false, and there will be no change in policy validity due to blended fuel. Also, India is not moving beyond E20 before October 2026; however, plans are under consultation.
News18
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- News18
What Percentage Of Your Petrol Is Ethanol And What It Means For Your Car
Last Updated: Automakers in India have now started designing engines that are E20-compatible, especially models manufactured from 2023 onwards If you're filling your tank with what's labelled as normal petrol, chances are you're now getting a fuel blend that's very different from what was sold a few years ago. While most motorists assume regular petrol is pure gasoline, it's actually a mixture, now increasingly dominated by ethanol. What's in your tank now? Until recently, normal petrol (technically called E0 or 91 RON petrol) contained 10% ethanol. But in a major policy shift, most pumps now dispense E20 (petrol blended with 20% ethanol) as the default normal fuel option. This transition has already begun at many outlets and is gradually expanding nationwide. So yes, what you're getting as 'normal petrol" is now typically 20% ethanol-blended petrol. Can your engine handle 20% ethanol? That depends on how new your vehicle is. Automakers in India have started designing engines that are E20-compatible, especially models manufactured from 2023 onwards. These vehicles can run on E20 without issue. But if your vehicle was made before that, particularly before 2015, it might not handle the new blend optimally. Engine parts not designed for higher ethanol content may suffer minor degradation or performance issues over time. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), 'E20 fuel passed all major engine tests and showed no significant adverse effects." These included mechanical performance checks and 1 lakh-kilometre endurance tests on both carburetted and fuel-injected engines. Hot and cold startability tests also showed E20 to be safe, though the government does concede that mileage may dip by 1-2% in E10-designed engines calibrated for E20. In older vehicles, that drop could range between 3-6%. However, the ministry maintains that this can be resolved through better engine tuning and use of ethanol-compatible parts. Why is this shift happening? The ethanol blending program is part of India's broader push to: The government had initially set 2025-26 as the target for 20% ethanol blending, but implementation has been fast-tracked. A roadmap is also in place to push the blend further to 27% in coming years. Is there a way to avoid ethanol-blended petrol? Yes, though it's not cheap. If you want lower or no ethanol in your fuel, look for premium variants like Speed 97 or XP100. These fuels usually have minimal ethanol content (as low as 5-10%) and sometimes none at all. However, XP100, marketed as 'India's purest premium petrol" can cost between Rs 150 and Rs 170 per litre and is available only at select stations in big cities. What is ethanol and where does it come from? Ethanol is an alcohol-based biofuel derived mainly from sugarcane, maize, or grains. It is not drinkable, as denaturants are added to fuel-grade ethanol. India has over 800 ethanol-producing plants, and the fuel-grade version (99.5% pure) is delivered to oil companies like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum. Ethanol is blended into petrol at refineries or terminals, not at the petrol pump. How does India compare globally? India is not alone in this approach. Ethanol blending is a global trend: Brazil mixes 27% ethanol in standard petrol and has vehicles that run entirely on ethanol. The US started ethanol blending in the 1990s and now uses E10 as standard. In some cases, E15 and E85 are also used, especially in Flex-Fuel vehicles. Europe varies: France uses E10, Germany E5, and Sweden blends up to 85% ethanol. China made E10 mandatory in 2017. Thailand offers E10, E20, and E85 options to consumers. These moves aim to reduce carbon footprints, support local agriculture, and stabilise fuel pricing. top videos View all What should vehicle owners do now? Check your vehicle manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm if your vehicle is E20-compatible. If you're driving a model launched in or after 2023, you're likely in the clear. If not, watch out for slight mileage drops and performance variation. For older vehicles, especially pre-2015 ones, avoid E20 if you're concerned about wear and tear, premium fuels may be the better choice. tags : Ethanol-Petrol blend Fuel prices petrol view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 19:07 IST News auto What Percentage Of Your Petrol Is Ethanol And What It Means For Your Car | Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Ethanol blending: Environmental win or engine risk? Govt clears the air on E20 petrol
Amid concerns circulating on social media about E20 petrol —fuel blended with 20 per cent 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. Fuel efficiency impact is marginal, not drastic '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 per cent ethanol blend) and calibrated to run on E20 show only a 1–2 per cent 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. Corrosion concerns overstated; standards are in place 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. Environmental and economic gains from ethanol blending 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 per cent 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.
NDTV
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
"Not Real Facts": Centre Dismisses Concerns Over Ethanol-Blended Petrol
The Centre has dismissed growing public concerns around the use of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20), especially in older vehicles. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas called such fears "largely unfounded" and not backed by "scientific evidence or expert analysis." In a detailed clarification posted to X, the ministry responded to recent media reports and user complaints suggesting that E20 fuel could damage engines, reduce fuel efficiency, or lead to increased maintenance costs. "The narrative that ethanol blending in petrol is harming vehicles or causing undue hardship to consumers is not based on real facts and lacks a technical foundation," the ministry said. The ministry acknowledged that ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol, which may lead to a slight reduction in mileage. But it said that the drop was minor and well within acceptable limits. According to government estimates, the fall in fuel efficiency is about 1-2% for four-wheelers designed for 10% ethanol (E10) and calibrated for E20, and around 3-6% for other vehicles. "This marginal drop in efficiency can be further minimised through improved engine tuning and use of E20-compatible materials, which leading automobile manufacturers have already adopted," it said, adding that E20-compliant vehicles have been available in India since April 2023. On concerns about potential engine corrosion, particularly in older cars and two-wheelers, the ministry said that safety standards were already in place. Ethanol-compatible materials and corrosion inhibitors are mandated through specifications by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Automotive Industry Standards. "Replacement of some rubber parts or gaskets could be advised in certain older vehicles after prolonged use of say 20,000 to 30,000 km. This replacement is inexpensive and easily done during regular servicing of the vehicle," the statement said. ????Some articles/ reports in the media have raised concerns about the potential negative impact of 20% ethanol blending (E20) in petrol, particularly with regard to older vehicles and customer experience. These concerns, however, are largely unfounded and not supported by… — Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas #MoPNG (@PetroleumMin) August 4, 2025 The ministry also referred to multiple studies conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), and Indian Oil Corporation (R&D), which tested both legacy and new vehicles over 100,000 km. "Tests showed no significant differences in power, torque, or fuel consumption. Moreover, E20 fuel passed hot and cold startability tests without any engine damage," it said. International studies cited by the government also support these findings. The ministry said the ethanol-blended fuel programme is essential for cutting crude oil imports, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting farmers. Ethanol is made not only from sugarcane, but also from surplus rice, maize, and crop waste, making the programme both eco-friendly and economically viable. Since 2014-15, the government claims ethanol blending has saved over Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange and reduced carbon emissions by 700 lakh tonnes. Farmers have earned over Rs 1.2 lakh crore through ethanol-linked payments. Addressing claims of a rushed rollout, the ministry said the shift to E20 has followed a phased and planned approach since 2021, with inputs from ministries, automakers, fuel retailers, and standards bodies.
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Business Standard
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
E20 petrol won't affect fuel efficiency, may boost performance, says govt
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rejected reports suggesting that E20 petrol -- fuel blended with 20 per cent ethanol -- leads to a reduction in fuel efficiency. In a social media post, the ministry stated that such claims are factually incorrect and lack support from scientific research. It explained that although ethanol possesses a lower energy density than petrol, the effect on mileage is minimal. What is E20 petrol? E20 petrol is a mixture comprising 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol. Ethanol is a type of alcohol-based fuel commonly produced from crops such as sugarcane. While latest vehicles are designed to handle such fuel blends, most older vehicles in India are typically configured for E10 petrol, which contains 10 per cent ethanol. The clarification from the ministry comes amid a recent survey, which indicated that a majority of Indian petrol vehicle owners are opposed to the government's mandate on E20 petrol. The survey received more than 36,000 responses from petrol vehicle owners across 315 districts. According to the findings, two out of three owners of vehicles bought in 2022 or earlier reported a decline in fuel efficiency in 2025 compared to previous years. No major issues with legacy vehicles "Material compatibility tests by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and Indian Oil Corporation have confirmed that legacy vehicles also showed no significant variations, performance issues or abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20. Moreover, E20 fuel passed hot and cold tests without any engine damage," the ministry said. Marginal drop in efficiency, offset by new tech The ministry noted that for vehicles originally designed for E10 petrol but calibrated for E20, fuel efficiency may decline by 1 to 2 per cent. In other vehicles, the drop may be in the range of 3 to 6 per cent. However, this reduction can be further minimised through improved engine tuning and the use of E20-compatible components, which have already been adopted by leading automobile manufacturers. SIAM confirms availability of E20-ready vehicles The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has confirmed that vehicles designed to comply with E20 fuel standards, equipped with upgraded components, have been in operation on Indian roads since April 2023, the ministry said. E20-tuned vehicles deliver enhanced performance: Ministry The ministry also highlighted ethanol's role in enhancing vehicle performance. Ethanol has a higher octane rating (108.5) compared to petrol (84.4), which contributes to improved engine performance and better ride quality in newer vehicles. It added that vehicles specifically tuned for E20 petrol demonstrate even greater performance levels. Ethanol's higher heat of vaporisation reduces the temperature within the intake manifold, thereby increasing the density of the air-fuel mixture and enhancing engine efficiency.
