India backs E20 petrol, acknowledges 3-5% mileage loss

The Indian government on Friday issued a detailed defense of its nationwide E20 petrol policy, acknowledging a potential reduction in fuel economy for some vehicles while strongly rejecting claims that the ethanol-blended fuel damages engines. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas released a comprehensive clarification document addressing persistent consumer concerns over mileage, engine safety, pricing, and the lack of alternative fuel grades at pumps.

The ministry confirmed that some vehicles may experience a 3 to 5 percent drop in fuel efficiency with E20, which contains 20 percent ethanol. However, it argued this is outweighed by the fuel's benefits, including a higher octane rating, superior anti-knock characteristics, faster combustion, smoother acceleration, cleaner engine operation, and significantly lower lifecycle carbon emissions. Officials described E20 as a "cleaner, higher-quality and more efficient fuel" than E10 or pure petrol.

Responding to widespread complaints from owners of vehicles manufactured before 2023, the government stated there is no widespread evidence that E20 causes engine damage or corrosion. It cited real-world service data from automobile...