New Delhi: E20 fuel has now become the standard option at fuel pumps across India, but questions over its effect on cars refuse to go away. Carmakers are caught balancing between government messaging and customer worries, as motorists complain of reduced performance and confusion over older models.
According to a Reuters report, Mahindra & Mahindra has stepped in to clarify. Its automotive division chief, Nalinikanth Gollagunta, said ethanol-blended petrol is safe to use, but admitted that users may notice a dip in mileage and acceleration. The statement comes as E20 reaches nearly 90,000 filling stations nationwide, sparking debates in workshops, WhatsApp groups, and fuel queues alike.
Mahindra acknowledges drop in performance
Mahindra confirmed that 20 percent ethanol fuel will not harm engines but conceded that it does impact how vehicles drive. The executive noted that an official advisory for customers is being prepared and should be issued next week. Industry watchers say this is the first major acknowledgment from a top manufacturer that performance trade-offs are real, even if safety is not in question.
For many car owners, the worry is not just about new vehicles but about older ones still running on the roads. Ethanol blends can corrode certain rubber parts, seals, and gaskets. The government insists these can be replaced easily, but users fear higher maintenance bills. Some carmakers initially said compatibility was uncertain, before backtracking to reassure customers that E20 would not damage their engines.
Court and government stand firm
The Supreme Court this week refused to entertain a plea against the nationwide roll-out of E20. The Union Government remains firm, calling ethanol blending the only way forward for energy security and emissions reduction. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari went further, dismissing online criticism as politically motivated campaigns.
For drivers though, the debate plays out every time they step on the accelerator. The reality of slightly reduced mileage means that fuel bills might still pinch, despite E20 being a cleaner option. And for enthusiasts who care about throttle response, the subtle difference in performance is hard to ignore.