‘E20 petrol may harm BS-3 vehicle rubber parts’:Centre admits for first time; clarifies no engine modifications required

The Central Government informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that BS-3 vehicles using E-20 petrol (20% ethanol-blended petrol) may need some rubber parts and gaskets to be replaced. However, it clarified that no engine modifications would be required. The government said these parts can be replaced easily during regular vehicle servicing. This is the first time the Centre has made such a statement in Parliament. BS-3 emission standards apply to vehicles manufactured between 2005 and 2016. The information was shared by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. He said studies on E-20 fuel were carried out by Indian Oil, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and the Automotive Research Association of India on both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Gadkari also said that vehicle mileage depends not only on fuel but also on driving habits, road conditions, maintenance, and other factors. He added that ethanol-blended fuel has been used in many countries for more than a century. Everything you need to know Which parts might need to be replaced? Pipes, O-rings, rubber seals, fuel hoses, gaskets, fuel pump rubber components, and injector seals. Are these parts in the engine? No. Most of these rubber parts are located in the vehicle’s fuel system, not the engine. Which vehicles might need replacement parts? Vehicles below Euro-4 standards may require replacement of some rubber parts. According to the government’s reply, this mainly applies to BS-3 two-wheelers and four-wheelers manufactured before 2016. BS-3 norms came into effect on April 1, 2005. What is the replacement cost? How often will these parts need replacement? There is no fixed schedule based on time or distance. The parts will only be replaced during routine servicing if wear and tear, leakage, or damage is found. Why do these parts need to be replaced? Over time, ethanol can harden, soften, or swell older rubber components. Earlier rubber materials were not designed for long-term contact with ethanol-blended fuel. Does it affect only rubber parts or metal parts as well? The main impact is on rubber components. However, metal parts in some Euro-4 and older vehicles may also be affected. How soon after using E-20 petrol could problems begin? The government said the vehicle will continue to run normally. The main change is that it may require more maintenance over time. Will the impact be the same on cars and bikes? Both cars and motorcycles may be affected, but the extent depends on the vehicle’s design and fuel system.