"Public protests against government's deceitful petrol mix: Public backlash against the Centre's 20% Ethanol adulteration in petrol"
The Indian government has implemented a policy of blending petrol with ethanol, with the aim of reducing dependence on oil imports, moving closer to its Net Zero 2070 goal, and supporting farmers. This move has resulted in significant savings in foreign exchange, substitution of around 245 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, and a reduction of nearly 736 lakh metric tonnes in CO2 emissions.
However, the transition to ethanol-blended petrol (E20) has sparked debate and concerns among vehicle owners. Here's a look at the key findings from recent research and expert opinions on the impact of E20 on fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
Fuel efficiency typically drops by about 2-5% when using E20 fuel, primarily due to ethanol's lower calorific value compared to pure petrol. This drop can be more pronounced in older, non-E20-compliant vehicles. Older vehicles not designed for E20 may experience a larger mileage decrease, sometimes reported as high as 7-20% by consumers, alongside performance issues like sluggishness and increased maintenance costs.
On the other hand, E20-compatible vehicles, including many manufactured since 2009 or specifically designed for E20 since 2023, show minimal or no mileage loss due to better engine calibration, materials resistant to ethanol corrosion, and emissions control tuning.
Long-term exposure of older vehicles to E20 might accelerate wear on fuel system components, especially rubber gaskets and hoses, which can degrade faster due to ethanol’s corrosive properties. However, professionals suggest these can be managed with regular servicing and part replacement.
The Indian government and industry bodies have found that while E20 may cause a slight drop in fuel efficiency compared to E10 or pure petrol, this is offset by cleaner emissions, better anti-knock properties (higher octane), and improved ride quality.
In summary, multiple studies and automotive experts indicate that E20 fuel reduces mileage mildly in vehicles designed for it but causes more significant mileage drops and potential engine wear in older, non-compliant models unless appropriate adjustments are made. Proper engine tuning and use of E20-compatible components can mitigate these effects.
The government has also emphasised that factors such as driving habits, maintenance practices, tyre pressure, alignment, and air conditioning load also influence vehicle mileage. Some users have suggested that petrol pumps should carry clear labels so customers can choose the fuel of their own choice.
Amidst these discussions, concerns have been raised about the mandatory implementation of E20, with some social media users claiming that influencers promoting ethanol-blended petrol may face high repair costs in the future. Others have alleged that the government has hired influencers to post content on ethanol-blended fuel, and that the government is blending petrol with lies and promoting ethanol-blended petrol as green fuel while hiding the truth about lower mileage, engine wear, food diversion, and water use.
As the country moves towards a more sustainable future, it is crucial to address these concerns and ensure a smooth transition to ethanol-blended petrol. Regular updates, clear communication, and measures to support vehicle owners in adapting to E20 will be key in achieving this goal.
- The debate surrounding ethanol-blended petrol (E20) in the Indian market extended to the financial sector, with concerns about its potential impact on forex exchange, considering ethanol production is part of the broader finance and economy.
- The sports world has also been caught up in the E20 discussion and its implications, as experts examine how the fuel's properties may affect performance in vehicles, a vital component in various motorsports events.
- In the realm of the defi (decentralized finance) and blockchain markets, some analysts are discussing the potential of utilizing ethanol production data to create and trade green finance and sustainability tokens, fostering transparency and promoting eco-friendly practices.
