E20 gives 4% lower mileage but safe for engines: Experts
Times of India | 5 July 2026
Kolkata: Indian Oil Dealers’ Forum secretary Kushal Bajoria on Saturday said E20 fuel, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, gives around 3%-4% lower mileage than regular petrol, while advising motorists to keep fuel tanks reasonably full to prevent moisture formation.
Addressing a news conference organised by the local unit of Press Information Bureau in Kolkata, Bajoria dismissed social media claims that E20 causes engine damage, insurance issues and environmental harm. He said the fuel was safe, but cautioned against keeping fuel levels low for long periods.
“It is advisable to keep the fuel tank reasonably full as low fuel level for a long duration can lead to formation of moisture inside the tank,” he said.
Entrepreneur and expert Dilip Loyalka, who also addressed the conference, said it was advisable to keep the tank 80% full so there is no room for moisture.
Motorists, however, said this could be inconvenient and expensive, especially in cities where frequent fuel station visits would be required, and on highways where pumps are often far apart.
Bajoria said no consumer complaint wasreceived on the alleged ill-effects of E20. “Ethanol blend in petrol is nothing new and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)-led trials on cars and two-wheelers found no adverse impact on cars, with only marginal changes in mileage,” he said.
E20 petrol was introduced at select pumps in India in Feb 2023 and has since been rolled out nationwide. By April 2025, it was implemented across the country. All pumps in Kolkata now sell E20 petrol, priced at Rs 113.51 per litre. “XP100 is ethanol-free 100-octane petrol but is more expensive, Rs 167.35 per litre. If a motorist uses E20, he or she can switch to XP100,” said Bajoria.
India has achieved its 20% ethanol blending target ahead of the original schedule, with oil marketing companies supplying E20 fuel containing 95 Research Octane Number. The Centre advanced the deadline from 2030 to 2025-26.
Samir Rahatgi from Honda Motorcycles and Scooters said, “All our vehicles are compatible with the E20 petrol, which results in reduction of carbon emission. We have not heard any complaint from our consumers regarding the use of this ethanol-blended petrol.”
Motorist Malabika Sarkar said she was worried by social media posts, adding, “Given the high fuel price, it is not feasible financially to keep the tank full even when I am not using my car for a few days.”