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‘Driving Hyundai with Mercedes mileage’: Car owners blame E20 fuel for shocking drop in mileage
India recently celebrated achieving its ambitious E20 fuel target—20% ethanol-blended petrol—five years ahead of schedule. But even as the country advances toward greener fuels, growing concerns are emerging over fuel efficiency and engine compatibility with E20.
Several vehicle owners have taken to social media to report a significant dip in mileage after switching to E20. One Volkswagen Vento owner, Pramod Joshi, claimed his car’s mileage dropped from 10 km/litre to just 6 km/litre after refuelling at an HPCL station. “Cars made after 2020 are E20-compliant, so they may not face issues,” he acknowledged, “but most vehicles on Indian roads are older and not designed for this blend.”
Joshi added that while foreign countries use even higher ethanol blends—like E80—the vehicles there are specifically built to handle such fuels. That’s not the case in India, especially for cars manufactured before 2020.
Multiple users echoed similar concerns. One Honda owner said his car’s mileage dropped from 12 kmpl to 8 kmpl. “Being a mechanical engineer, I can confidently say this drop is due to ethanol-adulterated fuel. Whatever savings the government claims, we’re paying it back through more frequent refuelling and higher maintenance,” he wrote.
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Another user reported his Tata Tigor’s mileage on highways fell from 25 kmpl to 20 kmpl after using E20. “We’re paying more for petrol and getting less efficiency in return.”
A Honda City and Maruti Brezza owner summed up the frustration with a sarcastic remark: “Feels like driving a Hyundai with Mercedes mileage.”
However, not everyone is buying into the outrage. Some social media users accused others of resisting reform without understanding the science or global practices. “Many countries, including the EU, USA, and China, are already using ethanol blends,” one wrote accusing others of spreading misinformation.
Government Responds
Notably just recently, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has dismissed claims that E20 significantly reduces fuel efficiency. Calling the allegations “factually incorrect” and “unscientific,” the ministry clarified that E20 is safe for both new and older vehicles. It noted that while minor part replacements—like gaskets or rubber components—may be required after 20,000–30,000 km, they fall under standard servicing costs.
Ethanol: Pros and Cons
Ethanol has lower energy content than petrol, which can impact mileage. For E10-tuned vehicles upgraded to handle E20, mileage may fall by just 1–2%. For others, the drop may range between 3–6%, which can be mitigated with proper engine tuning, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
Since April 2023, manufacturers in India have started producing E20-compliant vehicles with reinforced fuel systems to prevent ethanol-related wear and tear.
Despite the criticism, ethanol remains a cornerstone of India’s green energy policy. A NITI Aayog-backed study shows that sugarcane-based ethanol cuts CO₂ emissions by 65% compared to petrol, while maize-based ethanol reduces emissions by 50%.
The ethanol program has saved the country approximately ₹1.36 lakh crore in foreign exchange since 2014 and generated ₹1.96 lakh crore in distillery revenues. Farmers supplying raw materials have collectively earned ₹1.18 lakh crore. In terms of environmental impact, 698 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions have been avoided.
What’s Next? E27 on the Horizon
Following the rollout of E20, the government is now working on introducing E27—petrol with 27% ethanol content. Standards are expected to be finalized by the end of August 2025, with the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) assessing required engine modifications.
Ethanol production in India has surged from 38 crore litres in 2014 to 661 crore litres in 2025, making it a crucial part of India’s carbon reduction and energy independence goals.
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