“‘You and I Can’t Check a Car’s Mileage’: Nitin Gadkari Defends E20 Petrol Amid Rising Fuel Economy Debate…”

‘Mileage Can’t Be Judged by Drivers’: Gadkari Responds to E20 Fuel Concerns

New Delhi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has strongly defended the Centre’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol programme, stating that individual vehicle owners cannot accurately determine their car’s mileage. According to the minister, only tests conducted using authorised dealership equipment can provide reliable fuel-efficiency results.

His remarks came during an interview where he responded to concerns raised over the performance of E20 petrol, a fuel containing 20 per cent ethanol blended with conventional petrol.

Journalist Claims Sharp Drop in Mileage

During the interaction, a journalist shared her personal experience after switching to E20 petrol. She claimed that her 2023-model vehicle, which is believed to be compatible with E20 fuel, witnessed a significant drop in mileage—from around 11 km per litre to nearly 7 km per litre.

When Gadkari asked how the mileage was calculated, she explained that the reading was based on the vehicle’s dashboard display and her own observations, similar to the method used by many car owners.

The minister, however, rejected the claim that such calculations are scientifically reliable.

“Only Authorised Dealers Can Verify Mileage”

Responding firmly, Nitin Gadkari said that ordinary drivers are not equipped to accurately measure fuel efficiency.

He stressed that vehicle mileage should only be tested using specialised machines available at company-authorised service centres. According to him, personal calculations or dashboard estimates alone cannot be considered conclusive evidence regarding the performance of E20 fuel.

His comments come at a time when the government’s ethanol policy continues to generate debate among motorists and automobile experts.

Why the Government Introduced E20 Petrol

The E20 fuel programme was introduced as part of India’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, strengthen energy security, support the agriculture sector, and lower vehicle emissions.

The nationwide rollout of E20 petrol began on April 1, marking a significant step in India’s clean-energy transition. Ethanol, which is primarily produced from sugarcane and other agricultural feedstocks, is expected to reduce fossil fuel consumption while providing additional income opportunities for farmers.

Mileage Debate Continues

Despite the environmental and economic benefits highlighted by the government, several vehicle owners have reported a noticeable decline in fuel economy after switching to E20 petrol.

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Some members of the automobile industry have also expressed concerns, particularly regarding the performance of older vehicles, which may not have been originally designed for higher ethanol blends.

The issue has sparked discussions across social media and among motorists, with many questioning whether the new fuel affects engine efficiency and running costs.

Government Acknowledges Minor Fuel Economy Reduction

The Centre has already acknowledged that E20 petrol may reduce fuel economy by around 3 to 5 per cent in certain vehicles.

In a recent set of Frequently Asked Questions released by the government, officials clarified that while a slight reduction in mileage is possible, fuel type is only one factor influencing overall vehicle performance.

The document explained that real-world mileage is also affected by several other factors, including driving style, tyre pressure, vehicle maintenance, traffic conditions, road quality, engine health, and air-conditioner usage.

According to the government, these factors often have a greater impact on fuel consumption than the ethanol blend itself.

Balancing Sustainability and Consumer Concerns

As India accelerates its transition towards cleaner fuels, the discussion around E20 petrol is expected to continue. While the government maintains that the policy will deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits, many motorists remain focused on its day-to-day impact on fuel expenses.

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For now, Nitin Gadkari has urged vehicle owners to rely on scientific testing rather than personal estimates before concluding that E20 petrol is responsible for reduced mileage.