E20 Petrol Myths Debunked! Govt Backs Ethanol Blended Petrol, Calls It ‘Safe’ | All You Need To Know

The 20% ethanol-blended petrol will not drop vehicles' efficiency, is environmentally friendly and is an important step towards clean energy transitions, stated the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG)recently while debunking myths around the fuel, which is also known as E20 petrol.

The Ministry called out certain media reports that raised concerns about the potential negative impact of 20% ethanol blending in petrol. In a social media post, MoPNG made it clear that most of the concerns raised around E20 petrol lack scientific backing and research.

"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 scientific evidence or expert analysis," read a post by MoPNG on X. Here are the myths debunked by the central government about E20 petrol.

E20 Petrol Myths Debunked!

E20, which is a petrol mixed with 20% of ethanol, is one of the key energy transition attempts by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. The petrol category was announced nearly three years ago.

Ethanol blending involves mixing ethyl alcohol which is derived from naturally produced items like sugarcane or other organic items. The government is introducing E20 in a phased manner to reduce carbon emissions. However, there have been concerns raised about the potential side effects of E20 petrol on vehicles.

E20 Will Petrol Will Impact Fuel Inefficiency

Multiple international researches and studies have found that ethanol-petrol blends do not impact vehicle's performance especially related to fuel consumption and power generation.

"Ethanol, being lower in energy density than petrol, results in a marginal decrease in mileage, estimated at 1-2% for four-wheelers designed for #E10 and calibrated for #E20, and around 3-6% in others. This marginal drop in efficiency can be further minimized through improved engine tuning and use of E20-compatible materials, which leading automobile manufacturers have already adopted," noted MoPNG in its report.

From 2023 onwards, most of the vehicles produced for the Indian markets are E20-compliant and have upgraded components.

E20 Petrol Use Causes Material Corrosion

Addressing the concern, the Ministry informed that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has well established safety standards for E20, including corrosion inhibitors and compatible fuel system materials. Manufacturers are producing vehicles considering these safety standards, hence eliminating the risk of material corrosion due to E20 petrol use.

However older vehicles may require some replacement of rubber parts, gaskets, etc after prolonged use of the blended petrol like for 20,000 to 30,000 kms.

E20 Is Not Safe For Environment

Completely rejecting the myth around E20 petrol's impact on environment, the Ministry mentioned that the blended fuel category will produce relatively lesser carbon dioxide than original fuel.

"India's ethanol blending programme is through feedstock diversification. Ethanol is increasingly being produced from not only sugarcane but also from surplus rice, maize, damaged foodgrains, and agricultural residues, especially under the push for second-generation (2G) biofuels. This makes ethanol blending not only technically viable, but environmentally sustainable as well," it added in the post.