Ethanol-blended petrol push: Car experts warn E20 petrol may reduce fuel efficiency

India’s accelerated adoption of E20 fuel, targeting reduced emissions and import reliance, faces concerns over fuel efficiency. Experts anticipate a 2-5% mileage reduction due to ethanol’s lower energy density, particularly in older, non-compliant vehicles, which may experience long-term component wear. While the Oil Ministry downplays drastic efficiency drops, a PIL challenges the rollout, citing compatibility issues with pre-2023 vehicles.