The debate regarding E20 petrol has intensified across the country. Many people, from social media to the automobile sector, are claiming that the use of 20 percent ethanol mixed petrol (E20) can damage the engine of vehicles and also reduce the mileage. Amid growing concerns, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has responded to these claims.
What did Nitin Gadkari say on E20 petrol?
Nitin Gadkari said that ethanol mixed petrol is a necessary step for the energy security of the country. He rejected the claims of engine damage and said that E20 fuel will not cause any major problems to the vehicles which are designed for it. However, he also admitted that increasing the amount of ethanol may have a slight impact on the mileage of some vehicles.
According to Gadkari, the objective of ethanol blending is not only to create an alternative to petrol, but also to reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil imports and increase the income of farmers.
Can mileage really be reduced?
According to auto experts, E20 petrol has slightly less energy content than normal petrol. This is the reason why a slight drop in fuel efficiency i.e. mileage can be seen in some vehicles. The government has also said that there is a possibility of mileage being affected by 3 to 5 percent in some vehicles.
However, this does not mean that the mileage of every vehicle will reduce significantly. Most of the new generation vehicles are being designed according to E20 fuel.
Are you worried about old vehicles?
Most questions regarding E20 petrol are being raised regarding old vehicles. Experts say that vehicles whose engines and fuel systems are not designed for high ethanol blending may experience some effects during long-term use.
Ethanol has a high ability to attract water, so it is expected to affect rubber parts, seals and some metal parts in older vehicles. However, changes have been made in new vehicles keeping these problems in mind.
Why is the government increasing the use of ethanol?
The Indian government is promoting ethanol blended petrol as it can help in reducing the cost of petroleum imports. Apart from this, farmers are also expected to get additional market from ethanol produced from sugarcane and other agricultural products.
The government claims that E20 will help in reducing pollution and moving the country towards alternative fuels.
What should people keep in mind?
Experts advise that vehicle owners must check their vehicle model and company guidelines. New vehicles have been prepared for E20 petrol, while owners of older vehicles should get the engine serviced and checked from time to time.
Overall, the possibility of engine damage due to E20 petrol cannot be considered true for every vehicle, but the possibility of slight changes in mileage cannot be ruled out. Nitin Gadkari has also clarified the same and said that ethanol blended fuel is a big step towards meeting the energy needs of the country.