India's 20% Ethanol Blending in Fuel: Automakers Address Mileage Concerns Amid Rollout

India's automakers say using 20% ethanol fuel in vehicles will reduce mileage by 2-4% but is safe to use. They claim millions of vehicles have used E20 fuel without issues. Executives from major carmakers, fuel retailers, and industry groups addressed concerns at a news event, stating that a 50% drop in fuel efficiency is unfounded. Older vehicles may experience a higher drop in mileage due to various factors.

India's automakers have addressed concerns over the nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol blended petrol (E20), assuring motorists that while it may reduce mileage by 2-4%, it is safe to use. Executives from major carmakers, fuel retailers, and industry groups held a news event to address these concerns, stating that a 50% drop in fuel efficiency is unfounded.

P.K. Banerjee, executive director at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), told reporters that millions of vehicles have been using E20 fuel without any reported issues. He noted that while the fuel may lower mileage by 2-4%, it is not a safety risk. Banerjee emphasized that if any issues arise, warranty and insurance claims will be fully honored by companies [3].

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) represents India's major carmakers including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, and Toyota Motor. The event saw over a dozen executives from auto companies, fuel retailers, and industry groups addressing concerns about E20 fuel.

C.V. Raman, executive committee member at Maruti Suzuki, India's biggest carmaker, added that real-world conditions can contribute to higher drops in mileage due to factors like vehicle maintenance and driving habits. He noted that the reduction in mileage can vary but is not as drastic as some claims suggest [3].

The Indian government has been aggressively pushing for E20 as part of its clean energy initiative. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that ethanol blending significantly strengthens India's energy security by reducing dependence on crude oil imports. The ministry also highlighted that ethanol blending supports the rural economy, with expeditious payment of over ₹1.20 lakh crore to farmers, thereby creating income and employment opportunities in the agricultural and biofuel sectors [2].

However, some motorists have expressed concerns about the impact of E20 on older vehicles. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court against the nationwide rollout of E20, alleging that people are forced to use fuel not compatible with their vehicles. The PIL seeks ethanol-free petrol availability, mandatory labeling at fuel stations, and a study on the impact of ethanol on vehicles [1].

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the plea on September 1, 2023. The court will consider the arguments presented by advocate Akshay Malhotra, who has sought a direction to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to ensure the availability of ethanol-free petrol at all fuel stations. The PIL also requests mandatory labeling of ethanol content on all petrol pumps and dispensing units, and a nationwide impact study on the mechanical degradation and efficiency loss due to ethanol blended fuel [1].

In conclusion, while concerns over E20 fuel's impact on vehicle performance persist, automakers and the government have assured that it is safe to use and that the impact on mileage is not as severe as some claims suggest. The ongoing legal proceedings will provide further clarity on the matter.

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/sc-to-hear-on-sept-1-plea-over-sale-of-20-percent-ethanol-blended-petrol/articleshow/123611723.cms
[2] https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/national/plea-filed-in-sc-against-nationwide-rollout-of-e20-in-india
[3] https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/indian-automakers-ethanol-fuel-hurts-082407518.html