India’s E20 fuel policy, which came into effect in April 2025, has left many petrol vehicle owners worried. According to a LocalCircles report, eight in ten petrol users said their fuel efficiency and mileage have reduced since the rollout of E20 fuel.
The E20 policy mandates blending 20% ethanol with petrol, aiming to promote cleaner and greener fuel. However, several owners say the change has led to 2–6% drop in mileage, higher fuel costs, and increased maintenance.
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What Vehicle Owners Are Experiencing
According to the survey, owners of older vehicles—especially those purchased in 2022 or earlier—are facing the biggest issues. Many of these vehicles were designed to run on E5 or E10 fuel, and are struggling to adapt to the new ethanol blend.
LocalCircles estimates that around 23.4 crore petrol vehicles sold in India between 2011 and 2025 could be affected by the E20 transition.
Real-Life Examples
Some vehicle owners have reported serious engine problems after using E20 fuel:
- An Audi Q7 owner from Chennai said he spent nearly ₹4 lakh on repairs after his engine failed due to water-mixed ethanol.
- Another user shared that his Ferrari wouldn’t start because of E20-induced fuel separation, which led to fuel system damage.
- Turbo-petrol cars like the Toyota Hycross reportedly faced injector failures within just a few thousand kilometers.
- Two-wheeler riders are also reporting misfiring and starting troubles after switching to E20 fuel.
Survey Insights
LocalCircles conducted a nationwide survey six months after the E20 rollout. The study received over 36,000 responses from petrol vehicle owners across 323 districts in India.
- 45% respondents were from Tier 1 cities
- 27% from Tier 2 cities
- 28% from Tier 3, Tier 4, Tier 5, and rural areas
An earlier August survey by LocalCircles also found that 28% of petrol vehicle owners were already experiencing unusual wear and tear in components like the engine, fuel line, tank, and carburetor.
Complaints have peaked between July and October, with many vehicle owners tagging Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri on social media for help regarding fuel quality and availability.
Government’s Response
Despite these rising complaints, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has dismissed the reports, stating that no vehicles have been affected by the E20 policy and calling the claims “misinformation.”
While the E20 policy aims to reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels, many vehicle owners say it has come with unexpected downsides — from lower mileage to costly engine repairs.
Experts suggest that upgrading fuel infrastructure and creating public awareness will be key steps in making India’s E20 transition smoother and safer for all motorists.
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