No abnormal wear or tear: E20 petrol safe for pre-2017 vehicles says Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari acknowledged that the studies had indicated a 2 to 6 per cent decline in fuel efficiency. However, he said mileage was influenced by several factors beyond fuel type, including driving habits etc.

In Short

• Gadkari addresses concerns about E20 petrol impact on BS-III vehicles
• Government says no substantiated complaints linked to E20 petrol usage
• Laboratory studies, field trials assessed impact of E20 on durability, drivability etc

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has told Parliament that E20 petrol is safe for older vehicles, including those manufactured before E20 compatibility standards were introduced, and does not cause abnormal wear or major performance problems.

However, he acknowledged that the higher ethanol blend could reduce fuel efficiency by 2 to 6 per cent.

Gadkari was responding to DMK MP Constandine Ravindran, who sought clarity on the impact of nationwide E20 availability on older vehicles, including BS-III models manufactured and registered before April 1, 2017.

The minister said the government had not received any widespread or substantiated complaints from vehicle manufacturers, automobile associations or consumer organisations linking E20 petrol to engine failure, fuel-pump problems, corrosion, water contamination or other performance issues.

He added that concerns raised in the media and on social media had been scientifically examined.

NO ABNORMAL WEAR IN OLDER VEHICLES: GADKARI

Citing laboratory studies and field trials, Gadkari said older or “legacy” vehicles had shown no abnormal wear and tear or significant variation in performance after using E20 petrol.

The studies were conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, Indian Oil Corporation, the Indian Institute of Petroleum and automobile manufacturers.

The trials examined engine durability, drivability, startability, corrosion resistance, material compatibility and emissions.

According to Gadkari, the findings established that E20 petrol was safe when used in accordance with prescribed standards.

He acknowledged that the studies had indicated a 2 to 6 per cent decline in fuel efficiency. However, he said mileage was influenced by several factors beyond fuel type, including driving habits, oil changes, air-filter cleanliness, tyre pressure, wheel alignment and air-conditioning usage.

GADKARI BACKS ETHANOL BLENDING

Defending higher ethanol blending, Gadkari said E20 petrol offered better acceleration and ride quality while producing around 30 per cent lower carbon emissions than E10 fuel.

He added that higher ethanol content enabled cleaner and more complete combustion, resulting in near-zero particulate emissions and improved urban air quality.

The Centre has been expanding ethanol blending in petrol as part of efforts to reduce crude oil imports and transport-related emissions.

The government told the Rajya Sabha last month that India had achieved its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending five years ahead of schedule.

According to the Centre, the programme has saved more than Rs 1.97 trillion in foreign exchange by reducing crude oil imports. It has also displaced nearly 316 lakh tonnes of crude oil and prevented around 952 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

- Ends