Indian drivers are facing a double whammy at the fuel pump. E20 ethanol blended petrol, while a step towards greener fuel, is causing a noticeable drop in vehicle mileage. This means consumers are paying more for fuel, but their vehicles are traveling less distance. It’s a frustrating situation that’s leaving many wondering why they should bear the brunt.
The automobile industry and the government have both acknowledged that E20 petrol can lead to a 2% to 6% reduction in mileage. For the average commuter, this translates into more frequent trips to the petrol station and higher overall running costs. It’s a financial pinch that many are feeling, especially with fluctuating fuel prices.
Take Surender Pal Singh, an automobile engineer from Delhi, for example. He noticed a significant dip in his car’s mileage over the past few months. What was once a reliable 17 to 17.5 km per liter on Delhi roads has now plummeted to 14.5 km per liter. Initially, he attributed it to driving habits and traffic, but the drastic change pointed to something else entirely.
Singh, who was once the principal of a major vehicle driving institute, eventually switched to a more expensive “premium fuel,” which is about Rs 7 costlier per liter. He observed an improvement in his fuel mileage after making the switch, highlighting the direct impact of E20 petrol on his vehicle’s performance. His experience isn’t isolated.
Numerous car users have taken to social media to voice similar concerns and complaints. They’re questioning the fairness of paying a higher price for fuel that delivers reduced efficiency. The discontent is palpable, and it raises important questions about consumer value and fuel policy.
The government think tank Niti Aayog had addressed this very issue in its 2021 report, “Roadmap For Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25.” One of their key recommendations was to price ethanol blended fuels lower than regular petrol. This, they argued, would help compensate for the reduction in calorific value and incentivize consumers to adopt the blended fuel.
The report even suggested that the government consider offering tax breaks on ethanol as a fuel. Such measures would provide a much-needed financial respite to consumers who are currently bearing the extra cost of reduced mileage. It’s a sensible approach that could foster greater acceptance of these new fuel blends.
Niti Aayog’s report detailed the expected drop in fuel efficiency for E20 fuel. For four-wheelers designed for E0 (100% petrol) and calibrated for E10, the drop could be as much as 6% to 7%. Two-wheelers in a similar category might see a 3% to 4% reduction. Even four-wheelers designed for E10 and calibrated for E20 could experience a 1% to 2% loss in efficiency.
However, the report also offered a glimmer of hope: “with the modifications in engines (hardware and tuning), loss in efficiency due to blended fuel can be reduced.” This suggests that future vehicle designs could mitigate the negative effects of ethanol blending, but for now, many existing vehicles are feeling the impact.
Amid these concerns, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) presented a contrasting view. Citing two studies from 2016 and 2021, ARAI stated that its testing found E20 to have no adverse impact on vehicles. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for more comprehensive, publicly accessible data to inform both consumers and policymakers about the long term effects of E20 petrol.
For consumers, the immediate concern remains the impact on their wallets and daily commutes. As India moves towards a more sustainable fuel future, addressing these practical challenges will be crucial for widespread adoption and public satisfaction. The conversation around E20 petrol and its effects on mileage is far from over for the Indian motorist, who grapples with these real world challenges every time they refuel.