What happened (Lok Sabha statement on E20)
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari stated in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that petrol blended with 20% ethanol (E20) can reduce fuel economy by an estimated 2% to 6%. He linked the estimate to vehicle category and vehicle vintage (age/model generation).
The Minister also said tests used for E20 adoption did not show engine durability failures attributable to E20. According to his reply, the testing covered controlled engine endurance checks on dynamometers (test benches) and road tests.
Gadkari’s written reply referred to a study assessing impacts of E20 on BS-III, BS-IV, and BS-VI vehicles. The same study reportedly also covered gasoline two-wheelers and four-wheelers where E10 is used currently.
The Minister said the study was jointly conducted by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India), SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers), and Indian Oil Corporation.
Background and earlier position (E10 baseline and study scope)
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