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Mumbai.The Centre has directed automobile manufacturers to replace certain components in older petrol vehicles free of cost if they are affected by E20 fuel, with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari asserting that there is no evidence that the ethanol-blended fuel damages vehicle engines. While rejecting what he described as a "false narrative" around E20, the minister acknowledged that vehicles running on the fuel could witness a marginal drop in mileage because ethanol carries lower energy content than petrol. The assurance comes amid growing concerns among owners of pre-2023 petrol vehicles over compatibility with the higher ethanol blend.

Replacing old components without extra charges

Gadkari said the government has instructed vehicle manufacturers to replace specific parts in older vehicles during routine servicing without passing any additional cost to customers. He explained that many older vehicles originally used metal washers, whereas newer systems use rubber components better suited for E20 fuel. Manufacturers have now been asked to replace these parts wherever required during servicing.

According to the minister:

• Owners of older petrol vehicles will not have to pay extra for replacement of affected washers.
• The exercise will mainly cover vehicles manufactured before 2023.
• Replacement will be carried out during scheduled servicing.
• The move is aimed at ensuring compatibility with E20 fuel while easing consumer concerns.

Minister dismisses engine damage allegations

Responding to widespread discussions on social media, Gadkari strongly denied claims that E20 petrol has damaged vehicle engines. He challenged critics to identify even a single vehicle that had become unusable because of the fuel blend, insisting that no such evidence had emerged so far. He described the online campaign against E20 as a deliberately created false narrative intended to mislead consumers. His remarks come at a time when the government's nationwide ethanol-blending programme has faced increasing scrutiny from motorists, consumer groups and opposition leaders.

Why mileage drops despite better performance

The minister admitted that E20 fuel may marginally reduce mileage, explaining that ethanol has a lower calorific value than conventional petrol. However, he maintained that ethanol offers better combustion characteristics because of its higher octane rating and superior anti-knocking properties, which can improve engine performance.

Key points highlighted by Gadkari include:

• Ethanol has a higher octane number than petrol.
• Better anti-knocking properties improve combustion quality.
• Mileage falls mainly because ethanol contains less energy.
• Traffic congestion and lower gears worsen fuel efficiency in cities.
• Flex-fuel engines designed for higher ethanol blends do not face these issues, according to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) findings.

Debate over pre-2023 petrol vehicles

The controversy surrounding E20 fuel has largely centred on older petrol vehicles built before manufacturers began making models compatible with higher ethanol blends. Many owners have reported reduced fuel efficiency and expressed concerns over increased maintenance costs and premature wear of fuel-system components. An ARAI study has also indicated that some rubber parts in vehicles originally designed for lower ethanol blends may deteriorate over time, prompting recommendations for replacement during servicing. The government's latest direction to manufacturers is expected to address these concerns while allowing the ethanol-blending programme to continue.

Government backs ethanol transition

The Centre continues to defend the E20 programme as a key pillar of India's clean-energy and energy-security strategy. Gadkari pointed to Brazil's decades-long experience with higher ethanol blends and reiterated that India aims to provide consumers with multiple fuel options while reducing dependence on imported crude oil. He also noted that several automobile manufacturers are developing flex-fuel vehicles capable of running on higher ethanol blends without any performance compromise.

With the government standing firm on its ethanol roadmap, the latest free-replacement directive is expected to reassure owners of older vehicles while supporting the country's transition towards cleaner transport fuels.