E20 Petrol May Damage Rubber Parts, Gaskets In Older Vehicles, Says Nitin Gadkari

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding E20 petrol, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has reiterated that this blended fuel does not significantly impact vehicle performance. He stated that studies conducted by Indian Oil, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) have revealed this. However, Gadkari also stated that the use of ethanol-blended petrol in BS-III vehicles manufactured between 2005 and 2016 may require replacement of some rubber parts and gaskets.

What did Nitin Gadkari say?

Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday informed Rajya Sabha that BS-III vehicles, manufactured between 2005 and 2016, may require replacement of some rubber parts and gaskets when run on E20 petrol.

Gadkari made this statement in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha and stated that studies conducted by IOCL, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, and the Automotive Research Association of India found that BS-VI vehicles meet emission norms even when tested with E20 fuel. The studies did not indicate the need for any modifications to car and two-wheeler engines.

What is the problem with old vehicles?

The Union Minister said, "These studies confirmed that there was no significant difference in the performance of older vehicles, nor were any unusual defects observed after using E20 fuel. No problems were found on parameters such as driveability, startability, compatibility with metal and plastic."

However, he said that tests on BS-III vehicles manufactured before 2016 indicated that some rubber parts and gaskets may need to be replaced. An ARAI report had concluded that E20 fuel could damage rubber parts in E10-compliant vehicles. However, this report has not been made public yet.

Why did the mileage drop?

Many people have complained that E20 fuel has reduced their vehicles' mileage and caused engine damage. However, the government said that the reduction in mileage depends on several factors, including driving style, maintenance (such as oil and air-filter changes), tire pressure, wheel alignment, and air-conditioning use.