The Government of India allowed the use of India E20 Fuel in 2023. With this, the government claimed that the ethanol-mixed fuel reduce CO2 emissions and enhance engine performance. However, social media flooded with discussions wherein vehicle users claimed the E20 fuel usage had dropped their cars’ mileage. While India has recorded the E20 fuel goal around 5 years ahead of schedule, a few concerns need to addressed.
Sudden drop of mileage due to India E20 Fuel
Recently, we came across an X post by Pramod Joshi that reads- “Sudden Drop Of Fuel Mileage Of Volkswagen Vento From 10 KMPL To Direct 6KMPL.” He also mentioned earlier, his Vento had not enhance performance less than 8 km/h. However, after he topped his vehicle with E20 fuel, the efficiency dropped to 6.3 kmpl.
Another user said, “No other country world is forcing E20 fuel on vehicles that is non-compliant or best E10-compliant, except India. E20 fuel reduces mileage and can harm engines and it reduces lifespan of automobiles. This man is targeting the Indian center class.”
Government clarifications on Fuel statements
However, the Ministry of Fueleum and Natural Fuel has also issued its official statement through X post, suggesting that the media reports are not supported through medical proof or professional analysis. In the same X post, the ministry highlighted that use of the E20 fuel result in a decrease in mileage through 1-2 % in 4-wheelers and 3-6 % in different vehicles.
The government also addressed the issues by claiming that the drop in fuel efficiency is drastic and recommended that E20 users who are complaining about the difficulty need to use E20-like-minded material and replace older rubber additives after 20,000-30,000 km.
Highlighting the benefits of the India E20 Fuel, the ministry said, Ethanol has a higher octane variety than Fuel (108.5 vs. 84.4), which means that ethanol-fuel blends have a better octane quantity than traditional fuel.
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