Nitin Gadkari: Petroleum Lobby Behind E20 Petrol Misinformation, Have Performed Tests On Older Cars
At the moment, it is a known fact that E20 petrol, or 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol, damages older cars. However, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has once again rejected the claims that E20 is harmful to older cars. He recently highlighted that the “petroleum lobby” is spreading complete misinformation. He added that they have conducted trials on older cars with E20 fuel and have verified everything on technical grounds.
Nitin Gadkari: We have conducted tests on older cars with E20 fuel
During a recent interview, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, stated that the reports of E20 fuel damaging engines and fuel systems of cars are “completely false.” He added that they have run tests on older cars and “have verified everything on technical grounds.”
The minister also stated that Brazil’s higher ethanol blend, which is 27 percent, is the real benchmark and they have “no complaints.” He also stated that E20 is aligned with an “import substitution, pollution-free and cost-effective” policy. Gadkari added that E20 fuel also increases the income of farmers in the country.
As per Gadkari, farmers are benefiting from E20 fuel as maize output and prices in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have increased to Rs 24,000 to Rs 25,000 per ton from Rs 14,000 to Rs 15,000.
Petroleum lobby behind misinformation
The Oil Ministry recently, in a clarification release, stated that E20 fears are “false narratives.” It also stated that rumors of insurance not covering E20-related damage are totally baseless. Additionally, it clarified that E20 does not impact vehicle insurance validity, and there is also no loss in fuel efficiency.
Mechanic reveals the damages done by E20 fuel
Recently, one of the most popular mechanics in the country, Mukesh Chandra Gond, who has a massive YouTube channel and following, explained that E20 fuel indeed damages older cars. He stated that E20’s hygroscopic nature absorbs moisture, which causes phase separation. Then this ethanol mix sinks to the bottom.
He added that, due to this, there are issues specifically seen in older, non-compliant cars that are parked for long periods. The mechanic said that fuel tanks and fuel lines get rusted, and the fuel pump is also damaged. Injectors also get clogged, fail, and cause a loss of fuel efficiency.
Automakers not offering warranty
Recently, MG Motor India stated to its customers that it advises them to only use E10 fuel in MG cars manufactured before April 2025. It added that running E20 fuel could impact vehicle performance. It also stated that if E20 fuel is being used, the vehicle should be run frequently and not left parked for long.
Additionally, Toyota has publicly advised owners that only E10 fuel should be used in certain models and that using E20 fuel may void the warranty for affected parts. Toyota official Vikram Gulati had earlier said that vehicles from 2013 and later can run on E20 fuel. However, the user manuals of newer models specify that E10 fuel should be used by customers.