The Centre on Wednesday said certain rubber parts and gaskets in older BS-III vehicles manufactured before 2016 may need replacement when running on E20 petrol, while maintaining that the blended fuel
does not significantly affect overall vehicle performance or require engine modifications, The Times of India reported.
Responding to a question by CPI MP A A Rahim in the Rajya Sabha, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said studies by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) assessed the impact of E20 fuel on two- and four-wheelers.
According to the minister, the studies found that BS-VI vehicles continued to meet emission norms when tested with E20 fuel. They also concluded that car and two-wheeler engines do not require modifications to operate on the ethanol-blended fuel.
‘No Engine Modifications Required’
Gadkari said the findings showed no major impact of E20 on vehicle performance, including for older vehicles.
“These studies confirmed that even legacy vehicles did not exhibit any significant variations in performance, nor do they show abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20 fuel. No issues were reported in parameters such as drivability, startability, metal compatibility, and plastic compatibility,” he said.
Also Read: Does E20 Petrol Reduce Mileage Or Damage Your Car? Government Responds To Viral Claims
However, the minister noted that tests on older BS-III vehicles introduced from April 1, 2005, and manufactured before 2016 indicated that some rubber components may need replacement.
“Only in case of testing done on BS-III vehicles introduced from April 1, 2005, and manufactured before 2016, some rubber parts and gaskets may require replacement, which can be easily managed during the routine servicing regime of the vehicle,” Gadkari said.
The clarification comes weeks after an ARAI study, which is yet to be made public, concluded that E20 fuel could affect rubber parts in vehicles designed for E10 petrol, The Times of India reported.
Mileage Depends On Multiple Factors
Addressing concerns over fuel efficiency, Gadkari said mileage cannot be attributed to fuel type alone and depends on several operational and maintenance-related factors.
According to the government, fuel efficiency is influenced by driving habits, regular vehicle maintenance, fuel quality, traffic conditions, tyre pressure, wheel alignment and air-conditioner usage.
Controversy Around Ethanol-Blended Fuel
The Centre’s push to increase ethanol blending in petrol has triggered concerns among sections of vehicle owners and experts over its impact on engine performance, fuel efficiency and compatibility with older vehicles.
While the government has achieved its target of 20% ethanol blending (E20) ahead of schedule and maintains that all E10-compliant petrol vehicles can safely run on E20 fuel, some consumers have reported concerns about reduced mileage because ethanol has a lower energy content than petrol.
Also Read: No Plan To Increase Ethanol Blending Beyond 20% In Petrol, Premium Fuel To Remain Ethanol-Free: Govt
Meanwhile, the government has pushed back against what it called misinformation surrounding India’s E20 ethanol blending programme, issuing a detailed 10-point clarification about engine damage, water consumption, vehicle warranties, fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the E20 programme, under which petrol contains up to 20% ethanol, is backed by scientific studies, regulatory safeguards and international experience.
