Government Says Older E10 Vehicles Can Safely Use E20 Fuel

As E20 petrol becomes more widely available across India, the government has clarified that older vehicles designed for E10 fuel can safely use E20 without major concerns. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, extensive testing by ARAI, Indian Oil Corporation, and SIAM found no significant issues related to engine performance, drivability, startability, or material compatibility.

The government acknowledged that some older vehicles may require earlier replacement of certain rubber hoses, seals, or gaskets due to the higher ethanol content. However, these are low-cost components that can typically be replaced during routine servicing and do not require any major retrofitting or mechanical modifications.

While E20 fuel may result in a slight drop in fuel efficiency because ethanol contains less energy than petrol, the ministry said the real-world impact is minimal and depends on factors such as driving habits, traffic conditions, tyre pressure, and vehicle maintenance. Overall, the Centre says owners of E10-compatible vehicles can confidently switch to E20 fuel.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright