Mumbai: India’s achievement of 20% ethanol blending in petrol—five years ahead of the 2030 target—was expected to be a triumph for the country’s clean energy transition. Instead, it has ignited growing discontent among vehicle owners, especially in urban markets.
Motorists have reported lower fuel efficiency, increased engine wear, and higher maintenance bills since the rollout of E20 fuel. “I now get at least 10–15% less mileage on my daily commute, and my service centre warned about more frequent oil changes,” said a Mumbai-based commuter.
The ethanol blend, produced largely from sugarcane, is touted as a step towards reducing crude oil imports and cutting carbon emissions. However, industry experts point out that ethanol contains less energy than petrol, resulting in reduced mileage unless engines are optimised for higher blends.
Oil marketing companies maintain that E20 fuel meets all safety and performance standards, and that the mileage drop is marginal. The government, meanwhile, is pushing automakers to introduce flex-fuel vehicles to address the performance gap.
Consumer groups are calling for better public awareness campaigns to ensure buyers understand the pros and cons of ethanol blends before adoption becomes universal.
