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Time of India
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Reduced mileage, harmful to engine? All you need to know about E20 petrol and if it is safe for your vehicle
E20 petrol has sparked a massive debate across India over its impact on mileage, engine health and performance. In the midst of backlash against E20 petrol with people claiming that it reduced mileage and is harmful to engines as well as old vehicles, the government argued that ethanol-based petrol is not only good for the environment as it lowers pollution, but it also cuts oil imports. Here's everything you need to know, from the truth behind the claims to how it affects your vehicle and other countries already using it. Your car may be at risk with the government's E20 petrol rollout. Without proper warning or choice, using E20 in E0/E10 compatible vehicles can damage engines, reduce mileage, and void warranties. Demand E0/E10 options now. Tag @PetroleumMin @MORTHIndia. What is E20 petrol? E20 petrol is an automotive fuel blend composed of 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent gasoline by volume. Ethanol, an alcohol-based biofuel derived from renewable sources like sugarcane, corn, or biomass, is produced through fermentation and distillation processes. IOCL just confirmed it, you're being sold E20 adulterated fuel. Think about it if your doctor diluted blood with water to save imports, would you accept it and sacrifice your loved one? If your car is part of your family, protect it. Fight back.@kapsology @venkat_fin9 Nitin Gadkari debunks misconceptions and misinformation around E20 Petrol While people are complaining about vehicle problems, Union Minister of Road Transport Nitin Gadkari slammed the misinformation and challenged to bring him one instance of complaint over ethanol-blended petrol. "By putting 20% ethanol-blended petrol, has there been any car in the country that has faced issues? Just name one," he was quoted as saying during the Business Today India@100 Summit. Furthermore, he said that Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) as well as Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) have both supported E20 petrol. Environmental and economic benefits of E20 petrol The Union Minister of Road Transport also highlighted how E20 petrol is not only good for the environment but is also creating earning opportunities for farmers. "Corn was selling at Rs 1200 per quintal. Now it is used to make ethanol, and it fetches Rs 2600 per quintal," he said. As if the high fuel prices, back breaking taxes and out of control inflation weren't enough to traumatize the middle class, here is another gift by Modi ji.E 20 fuel which damages your car engines and reduces fuel efficiency at the same price of regular fuel. Enjoy the acha… Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on benefits of E20 Petrol 1. Highlighting information about E20 petrol causing mileage woes and being harmful to the engine, especially in case of old vehicles, the ministry said, "these concerns are largely unfounded and not supported by scientific evidence or expert analysis." 2. It added that International and Indian studies conducted by ARAI, IIP, and Indian Oil have shown no significant differences in vehicle performance, power, torque, or engine wear-and-tear with E20 use, even in old vehicles. 📑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… 3. It said that the fuel efficiency sees only a marginal 1-2 per cent drop in E20-compatible four-wheelers, reducible by engine tuning. 4. Material corrosion is managed by established safety standards, with minor, inexpensive part replacements suggested after prolonged use. 5. Ethanol blending reduces CO2 emissions, enhances ride quality via higher octane, supports energy security, and benefits the rural economy. Speed and RPM due to E20 fuel along with increase in engine vibrations and noise (first time). Touching 20 Kmph at more than 2800 RPM instead of usual 2000 or so. Other countries that are using E20 petrol Before India, many countries, including Brazil, the United States, and many European nations have already adopted this. Brazil: A pioneer in ethanol blending since the 1970s, Brazil uses ethanol blends around 18-27.5%, with E20 being common. Brazil's flex-fuel vehicles, able to run on ethanol or petrol, dominate the market (about 85% of new car sales). The government supports ethanol through price incentives, mandates, and consumer education, making E20 widely accepted. United States: The US mainly uses E10, but E15 and higher blends like E20 are increasingly available. Flex-fuel vehicles that can handle up to E85 are common. Ethanol is primarily sourced from corn, and blending is driven by renewable fuel standards. Europe: Various countries use ethanol blends with E10 being most common. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK offer both E5 and E10 fuels. Adoption of higher blends is cautious due to consumer protection, engine compatibility concerns, and infrastructure issues. Other Asian countries: Thailand and the Philippines also have availability of E20 petrol as part of their biofuel initiatives.
Barnama
4 days ago
- Barnama
Sarawak PDRM Offer 50 Pct Discount On Summonses In Conjunction With National Day Celebrations
KUCHING, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will offer a 50 per cent discount on traffic summonses at counters opened throughout Sarawak in conjunction with the 68th National Day celebrations. Sarawak deputy chief commissioner Saifullizan Ishak said the discounts are applicable at all COPS district traffic investigation and enforcement division counters and payments can be made in cash, debit and credit cards. 'The 50 per cent discount is given for all traffic summonses that can be compounded under the Road Transport (Compounding of Offences) Rules 2003.
NDTV
18-07-2025
- NDTV
Himachal Chief Minister Unfurls 108-Feet Flag At Jakhu Hanuman Temple
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday unfurled a 108-feet-tall religious flag (pataka) at the historic Jakhu Hanuman Temple in Shimla. The Chief Minister called the installation a mark of deep-rooted devotion and Himachali tradition, while also reiterating that the state government is accelerating relief and rehabilitation efforts in the wake of recent monsoon devastation. He once again urged the Union Government to provide a special relief package for the disaster-hit state. Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Chief Minister Sukhu said that, keeping in mind the environmental aspect, the government would beautify the temple and install a large statue of Lord Ram after obtaining Forest clearance. "Jakhu Temple has historic significance. It already houses the world's tallest statue of Lord Hanuman, and now, with this 108-feet-tall flag, perhaps the tallest of its kind, we have once again shown our devotion. This symbolizes our faith, culture, and traditions. We, the people of Himachal, are the living expression of that faith," he said. Senior priest of the Jakhu Temple, B.P. Sharma, highlighted the spiritual significance of the event. Sharma said, "On the auspicious occasion of Ashtami in the holy month of Shravan, the flag was hoisted". He added, "This flag is taller than the statue itself and can be seen from far and wide. On regular days, we see 20,000 to 25,000 devotees visit daily, although numbers are lower now due to the rains. There is also discussion about installing a large idol of Lord Ram, but a survey will be conducted first to ensure the mountain's stability before any decision is made". The Chief Minister also revealed that plans are underway to install a grand statue of Lord Ram near the temple, but the project is currently held up due to forest clearance issues. "I have given directions to explore the possibility of installing a large idol of Lord Ram here. However, due to forest restrictions, we will need clearance. While that process is underway, we will immediately work on beautifying the temple premises. A blueprint will be prepared to improve parking and seating facilities. The work will be done in a way that protects the environment and upholds the spiritual sanctity of this sacred place," he added. When asked about the ongoing monsoon devastation, CM Sukhu asserted that his government is working at full speed to restore normalcy. "I want to clarify that there has been no lapse in our restoration and relief work. We are even coordinating with former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur since his constituency has suffered extensive damage," Sukhu said. "I have briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman about the scale of destruction in Siraj, Karsog, Dharampur and other areas. Rising above party politics, I have requested a special relief package for Himachal," he emphasized. He expressed hope that the Union Home Minister would announce concrete assistance during his upcoming visit to the state. "The rehabilitation work is progressing rapidly. There is no dearth of food or supplies. People are also generously donating. The state government takes full responsibility for families who have suffered losses. While we cannot allot new land, wherever government land is available (except forest land), we will ensure plots are given to disaster-affected families," Chief Minister Sukhu said. He also highlighted a Rs 5,000 monthly rent assistance scheme for displaced families. "People whose homes have been destroyed and who are currently staying in government rest houses can shift to rented accommodation. If they provide written proof to the local patwari, they will receive Rs 5,000 per month towards rent," he added. "Our main aim is to ensure that roads remain open and that horticultural produce reaches the markets without delay. Instructions are being issued for the speedy clearance of roads and transport routes," he said.
Entrepreneur
08-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
This Is a Mobility Revolution: Nitin Gadkari Outlines Ambitious Overhaul of India's Transport System
You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced an ambitious vision to transform India's transportation network through advanced technologies and environmentally sustainable solutions. Gadkari laid out a sweeping roadmap that includes electric rapid transit systems, hyperloop corridors, ropeways, cable buses, and funicular railways, particularly aimed at making difficult terrains more accessible. "This is a mobility revolution," Gadkari told PTI. "We're not only focusing on big cities but also bringing advanced transport to rural and hilly regions." He said 360 ropeway and funicular railway projects are currently in the pipeline, with work underway at 60 sites, including the pilgrimage town of Kedarnath. Funicular railways, which operate like a hybrid between elevators and trains on steep gradients, are seen as critical to improving connectivity in mountainous regions. The cost of these projects ranges from INR 200 crore to INR 5,000 crore. The minister also reiterated the government's aggressive push on highway expansion and green mobility. According to Gadkari, the national highway network has increased by 60 per cent, from 91,287 km in 2013-14 to over 1.46 lakh km, as of now. He confirmed plans to convert 25,000 km of two-lane highways into four-lane routes, and said his target remains constructing 100 km of roads per day. High-Speed Corridors, which stood at just 93 km in 2014, have expanded to 2,474 km. Reducing India's high logistics cost is another key priority. "Our goal is to bring logistics cost down from 14 per cent of GDP to 9 per cent by the end of this year," he said. Lower transport costs are expected to boost trade efficiency and industrial competitiveness. On the energy front, Gadkari said 11 automakers, including Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hyundai, and Toyota, have committed to developing vehicles with flex-fuel engines capable of running on ethanol, methanol, and other biofuels. The government sees this as a vital step toward curbing India's annual INR 22 lakh crore fuel import bill and reducing fossil fuel dependency. Gadkari also discussed a pilot project in Nagpur involving a 135-seater electric bus designed for high-speed intercity travel. The bus, featuring airline-style amenities, will travel at up to 125 km/h and be equipped with rapid-charging facilities. If successful, similar electric buses will be introduced on high-demand routes like Delhi-Chandigarh, Mumbai-Pune, and Bengaluru-Chennai. India's urban centres, too, are part of the overhaul. Gadkari confirmed that cities like Delhi and Bengaluru are being considered for pilot projects involving hyperloop systems, Metrino pod taxis, and pillar-supported rapid transport. "Technology and capital are both flowing in," he said. "We are preparing India for a transport revolution." In response to environmental concerns, the government has launched roadside afforestation efforts, aiming to plant up to 25 crore trees along national highways. Gadkari said a "tree bank" is also being developed in coordination with the Ministry of Environment to facilitate tree transplantation and ensure every felled tree is replaced with five new ones. For road safety, Gadkari highlighted the deployment of AI-driven monitoring systems, drone surveillance, and precast construction materials. New three-foot-high barriers are being installed, and 670 roadside amenities are under development to improve conditions for travelers. "In the coming year, Indian highways will be at par with US roads in terms of quality," Gadkari said. "We are building the future, one kilometre at a time."
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Business Standard
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Indian roads will match US standards in 2 years, says Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said on Monday that India's road infrastructure will match that of the United States within two years. He backed the claim by pointing to the government's decade-long focus on investment in the sector. "The question is not about the facelift, it has already changed. You have just watched the newsreel, the main picture is yet to start. The projects in the pipeline are progressing rapidly. In another two years, you will be able to see that Indian road infrastructure will be similar to that of America," Gadkari told ANI in an interview, when asked when Indian roads would undergo a complete transformation. He added, 'Some people from America met me and said our infrastructure is better than America.' Improved roads lower logistics costs Gadkari explained that improved highways and expressways have reduced logistics costs, thereby enhancing India's export competitiveness. "If we raise our exports, it will improve our agricultural sector, manufacturing, and services, among all other sectors," he said. He noted that India has historically faced high logistics costs—around 16 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP)—compared to 8 per cent in China and 12 per cent in the US and Europe. "Our roads were not good, our ports were not good. Traffic congestion raised costs," he said. Major projects underway Gadkari outlined several key infrastructure projects in progress, including 25 greenfield expressways, a 3,000-km highway to boost port connectivity, and ₹1 trillion worth of roads linking key religious tourism circuits. He added that the government is connecting Buddhist circuits and the Char Dham pilgrimage routes with all-weather highways. "We are developing 36 tunnels between Jammu and Srinagar; 23 have been completed, and works for another 4–5 are underway," Gadkari said. "We are developing 15 ropeways under Parvatmala Yojana, besides 35 multi-modal logistics parks." Infrastructure: The backbone of growth Public infrastructure is central to economic growth, improving connectivity, trade, and quality of life. Over the last decade, India has made significant advances in this area. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP), launched in 2021, seeks to bring together various ministries—such as Railways and Roadways—for integrated planning and streamlined execution of major infrastructure projects. India currently has the second-largest road network in the world. Its National Highways (NH) span approximately 146,000 km, forming the backbone of national transport. According to a ministry statement released in February 2025, the network has grown substantially—from 65,569 km in 2004, to 91,287 km in 2014, and to 146,145 km by 2024.
