E20 Petrol Reality and Issues: There is currently a huge debate and controversy going on across the country regarding E-20 (20 percent ethanol blended) petrol. Many drugs are being done on social media like engine failure of new and old cars, reduced mileage, cancellation of vehicle insurance and direct mixing of sugarcane juice in petrol. Amidst this controversy, the central government has given official answers to 10 key questions related to E-20 petrol.

Does E-20 gasoline reduce mileage?

The central government and the automobile industry have acknowledged that the lower energy efficiency of ethanol compared to petrol may lead to some reduction in vehicle mileage. According to various tests, a reduction of two to six percent has generally been observed.

Will the engine go bad?

The government has denied the engine malfunction. A joint test by ARAI, Indian Oil and the automakers found no serious damage to the engine, metal or plastic parts. However, some rubber parts may need to be replaced sooner than usual in older cars.

Will warranty-insurance be voided?

In addition, the Company’s warranty and insurance on vehicles accepted for E-20 will remain valid, not void.

Is more water used to make ethanol?

A claim on social media said that 10 thousand liters of water is used for 1 liter of ethanol. However, the government has dismissed this claim as false. In fact, only three to five liters of processed water is used, which is recycled again.

Is sugarcane juice added to petrol?

Also, sugarcane juice or sugar is never added directly to petrol. It is industrially produced ‘fuel-grade ethanol’, which is blended into petrol as per quality standards.

Do insects like ants thrive?

Since this fuel-grade ethanol does not contain sugar and contains chemicals that repel insects, even talk of ants or bees visiting a petrol pump is quite misleading.

Is this a new question?

The government has clarified that this is not a test fuel without any. Countries like America, Brazil, Canada and Japan have been using it for years and thousands of kilometers of testing has been done in India as well.

Will the tank overflow?

The government has made it clear that modern vehicles are designed in such a way that water cannot accumulate in the petrol tank.

What is the benefit of E-20 petrol to the government?

According to central government data, the ethanol blending program has saved the country over Rs 1.9 lakh crore in foreign exchange since 2014-15. Over Rs 1.6 lakh crore has been paid to farmers.

Crude oil imports reduced?

This move has led to a major reduction in crude oil imports and reduced carbon emissions. The government has also met the target of 20 percent ethanol blend in petrol by December 2025 ahead of schedule.