PTC Web Desk:  Amid growing discussions over the use of E20 petrol in India, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur have said their findings do not support claims that the fuel harms vehicle engines or significantly reduces fuel efficiency.

The research team announced on Tuesday that extensive testing on both older and newer vehicles found no evidence that E20 fuel causes engine damage, corrosion or other mechanical problems. The study also concluded that the impact on mileage is much smaller than many people believe.

The findings come days after the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas clarified that while some vehicles may experience a fuel efficiency reduction of up to five per cent with E20 petrol, the environmental benefits of the fuel far outweigh the slight difference in mileage.

Mileage impact smaller than expected

Dhruv Raj Karana, Project Scientist at the Engine Research Laboratory in IIT Kanpur's Department of Mechanical Engineering, said the institute's research showed that the actual reduction in fuel efficiency with E20 petrol is generally less than five per cent.

According to Karana, such a minor variation is not necessarily caused by the fuel itself. Similar fluctuations can occur even when the same vehicle is tested repeatedly using regular petrol, as several external factors influence fuel consumption.

He explained that traffic conditions, driving style, road quality, weather and vehicle maintenance play a much bigger role in determining mileage than the type of petrol being used.

No evidence of engine damage

Addressing concerns circulating on social media, Karana said the research team found no scientific evidence that E20 petrol damages engines, corrodes components or creates technical issues in compatible vehicles.

He urged vehicle owners to trust information provided by automobile manufacturers and official government guidelines instead of relying on unverified claims shared online.

Years of research on Ethanol blends

The Engine Research Laboratory, led by Professor Avinash Kumar Agarwal, has been studying ethanol-blended fuels for several years. Researchers have also successfully tested E85 fuel, which contains 85 per cent ethanol.

However, Karana noted that fuels with such high ethanol content require specially designed engines and fuel systems, unlike E20, which has been introduced after extensive testing and consultations with automobile manufacturers.

Govt defends E20 rollout

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas recently released a detailed clarification explaining the rationale behind the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme.

According to the ministry, E20 is a cleaner and more efficient fuel than conventional petrol or E10 fuel. It said the nationwide rollout followed years of scientific evaluation, collaboration with automobile manufacturers and expansion of India's ethanol production capacity.

The ministry also highlighted that increased ethanol blending helps reduce dependence on imported crude oil while lowering lifecycle carbon emissions, making it an important part of India's clean energy strategy.

FAQs

1. Does E20 petrol damage car engines?

According to IIT Kanpur's latest research, there is no evidence that E20 petrol damages engines, causes corrosion or creates technical issues in compatible vehicles.

2. Does E20 reduce fuel mileage?

Researchers say the reduction in mileage is generally less than five per cent, and factors such as driving habits, road conditions and vehicle maintenance have a much greater impact on fuel efficiency.

3. What is E20 fuel?

E20 is petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent conventional petrol. It is part of India's effort to promote cleaner fuels and reduce dependence on imported crude oil.

4. Is E20 safe for older vehicles?

The IIT Kanpur study reported no evidence of engine damage in either newer or older vehicles tested. However, vehicle owners should always check their manufacturer's recommendations regarding E20 compatibility.

5. Why is India promoting E20 petrol?

The government says E20 helps lower carbon emissions, reduces crude oil imports, supports domestic ethanol production and contributes to cleaner transportation.

6. Should motorists believe claims about E20 on social media?

Researchers advise vehicle owners to rely on official guidance from automobile manufacturers and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas instead of unverified social media posts.

- With inputs from agencies

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