Not long after the success of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protests, a new social media-led campaign calling itself the E20 Janta Party has cropped up. It demands that Indian vehicle owners be given the option to purchase ethanol-free petrol alongside E20 fuel, as well as the resignation of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who is a major proponent of the government’s ethanol blending policy.
For context, the E20 rollout started in April 2025, and it was mandated as the baseline petrol blend exactly one year later – all in an effort to reduce dependence on crude oil imports. This is despite the fact that E20 compliance was mandated in April 2023 as part of the BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, which means a hefty chunk of vehicles plying on Indian roads are not E20-compliant.
E20 Janta Party wants more transparency and options for fuel
No demands for E20 to be discontinued
Inspired by the CJP’s satirical, meme-driven approach, E20 Janta Party declared itself as a consumer rights movement that is not seeking the withdrawal of E20 petrol, but instead greater transparency and freedom of choice at fuel stations. Although ethanol-free fuel has been available in the form of 100-octane premium petrol (XP100, Speed100, and Power100), it’s sold only at select fuel stations and costs significantly more than standard E20, limiting its feasibility for most motorists.
“Our demand is very clear. E20 Janta Party is a people-powered movement demanding transparency, accountability, and the right of every Indian to know how the E20 policy affects their vehicles, wallets, and consumer rights,” the group said in a social media post. The campaign even referenced CJP’s initial call to mobilisation with a post stating, “What if all bike/car owners come together?”
The E20 Janta Party says it is not opposed to ethanol blending, nor is it asking for subsidies or free fuel. Instead, it wants fuel stations to offer consumers the choice between unblended petrol and ethanol-blended fuel. E20 Janta Party is also demanding transparent fuel labelling, publication of government data on the costs and benefits of different fuel blends, and independent scientific studies into mileage, engine performance, emissions, and maintenance costs, with the findings made publicly available.
Support pouring in for E20 Janta Party
At the time of writing, E20 Janta Party’s Twitter and Instagram accounts have attracted over 31,000 followers cumulatively, and the campaign has even begun attracting support beyond social media. Political commentator Tehseen Poonawalla announced a “Gaadi March” on July 31 against the E20 policy, while the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association planned a march to Parliament on August 4. The taxi association has raised concerns over fuel efficiency, maintenance costs and engine performance, particularly in older vehicles.
Govt continues to stand strong on ethanol blending policy
In recent months, motorists have expressed heightened acrimony surrounding the impact of E20 petrol on fuel efficiency and vehicle durability, whereas the government remains steadfast in its defence of the policy, saying E20 is a safe and cleaner fuel backed by scientific evaluation. A few weeks ago, prominent manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Hero Motocorp also backed E20 at a government briefing, notably claiming that they have found no significant concerns regarding accelerated wear and tear in older, non-compliant vehicles.
Petroleum Minister previously ruled out offering pure petrol or E10 alongside E20
Replying to a question in Parliament last week, Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi said the government had not received any “widespread or substantiated” complaints linking E20 petrol to vehicle performance issues. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri earlier shot down the prospect of offering unblended and E10 petrol alongside E20, citing tremendous logistical issues like separate storage, transportation, and dispensing infrastructures.
Ethanol content in petrol could increase; diesel likely to be blended with isobutanol
There has been an extended period of silence from Adishwar Auto Ride India (AARI) Pvt. Ltd., the company that retails brands like Benelli, Keeway, Moto Morini, Zontes and QJMotor, when it comes to new product launches. We recently had the opportunity to speak to Vikas Jhabakh, MD, who shed some light on the business as well as what to expect from these Chinese brands in the near future.
New Benelli product likely to launch this year or early 2027
TNT600i ruled out for India return due to emissions norms and E20 fuel
New product launches planned across all brands, starting with Benelli
Keeway and Moto Morini are also due to see new launches
While AARI has had a relatively muted past 18 months (more on that below), the company has plans to launch more models across the various brands in its umbrella. Benelli, Vikas said, is the most important brand name for AARI and there will be more launches under its umbrella. “For Benelli, we will definitely bring in one product before the end of this year. We are under homologation right now. So we are fairly confident.”
“With Benelli, the strategy is one product every year for the next three years, including this year. So, let us say one this year, one next year, one the year after that. I think Benelli has always been our bread and butter brand that is going to be there. And we’re also exploring more products. Some within Benelli, some within Keeway, one Moto Morini specifically that we’re looking at.”
Vikas Jhabakh, Managing Director of Adishwar Auto Ride India Pvt. Ltd.
Benelli currently has four models in India, all based on the same 502cc, twin-cyl platform – Leoncino neo-retro, 502C sporty cruiser, TRK 502 and TRK 502X ADVs. While Vikas declined to identify any future products, he did rule out the return of the popular four-cylinder TNT600i sport naked. The reason being that the bike is neither emissions nor E20 fuel compatible and ensuring it does will need significant investment and testing.
Keeway too will see further products coming in, although they could be rebadged Benda models, like the V302C currently sold here. Coming to Moto Morini, Vikas explicitly mentioned that AARI is looking at “one specific product.” While no indication was given about what that model could be, we believe the Alltrhike 450 adventure bike is a good candidate for our market. With CFMoto’s India re-entry plans on hold, the Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 could offer a rather similar experience because it is based on the same engine and chassis platform.
For future Keeway and Moto Morini launches, no concrete timelines were shared.
Mercedes-Benz India has said every car it has sold in the country since January 2026 is compatible with E25 ethanol-blended petrol, making it one of the first luxury carmakers in India to prepare its portfolio ahead of any mandate for higher ethanol blends.
The announcement comes months after India completed the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol. More recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notified technical standards for higher ethanol blends, including E22, E25, E27 and E30, signalling the government’s efforts to prepare the regulatory framework for fuels beyond E20.
Mercedes cars in India have been E20-compatible since 2020
Announcement made at the launch of the AMG E 53 plug-in hybrid
Company to go ahead with a multi-powertrain strategy in India
Mercedes-Benz prepared line-up ahead of future ethanol norms
Speaking at the launch of the Mercedes-AMG E 53, Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Santosh Iyer said the company upgraded its India portfolio in anticipation of future fuel regulations. Explaining the decision, Iyer said Mercedes-Benz wanted to prepare its products ahead of any future regulation. “The Mercedes customers expect that we will learn the legislation and upcoming trends. There are a lot of discussions on E25. It may not happen, but we want to offer cars which are compliant,” he said.
According to Iyer, Mercedes-Benz adopted E25 compatibility to future-proof its products as discussions continue around increasing ethanol blending beyond E20. He added that the company had similarly made its India line-up E20-compatible from 2020, around three years before the fuel became mandatory.
The announcement comes weeks after Mercedes-Benz highlighted concerns over fuel adulteration, rather than the E20 blend itself. The company had said inconsistent fuel quality could affect vehicle performance and called for stricter quality control as higher ethanol blends are introduced.
Mercedes-Benz to continue offering multiple powertrains
Mercedes-Benz said it will continue offering a mix of internal combustion engine, battery electric and plug-in hybrid models in India instead of focusing on a single powertrain technology. “Our job and responsibility is to offer good options across the spectrum, including gasoline with an E25,” he said.
The AMG E 53 launched alongside the announcement is the brand’s second plug-in hybrid model in India after the recently introduced S-Class Plug-in Hybrid, and the first electrified AMG E-Class in the country. Mercedes-Benz says customer demand in India continues to be spread across conventional ICE models and electrified vehicles, supporting its multi-powertrain strategy.
India completed the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol in April last year, making it the standard grade of petrol sold at fuel stations across the country. E20 contains 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol, replacing the lower ethanol blends that were sold previously.
The transition has raised several questions among vehicle owners about compatibility, fuel efficiency, maintenance, warranties and long-term reliability. We separate the facts from the misconceptions and answer the key questions around E20.
1. What is E20 petrol and why has India switched to it?
E20 is fuel blended with 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol. Ethanol is a biofuel produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane, maize and surplus food grains. India introduced the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in 2003 with E5 petrol, and while the blended percentage kept varying for a while, it was eventually increased to E10 before completing the nationwide rollout of E20 in 2025, five years ahead of the planned implementation. According to the government, the programme aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, improve energy security, lower emissions and create an additional market for agricultural produce.
2. Can I use E20 fuel in my car or bike?
New petrol cars and two-wheelers sold in India today are compatible with E20 petrol. Under the government’s roadmap, vehicle manufacturers were required to make new petrol models manufactured from April 2023 compatible with E20.
Vehicles manufactured before April 2023 were designed for lower ethanol blends, so compatibility may vary depending on the model and year of manufacturing. However, some brands state that they had E20 material compliance before 2023, for a list click here.
3. How do I know if my car is E20 compatible?
The easiest way is to check your vehicle’s fuel flap or the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s authorised dealership. As part of the government’s E20 roadmap, manufacturers progressively introduced E20-compatible petrol vehicles from 2023 onwards. However, compatibility can vary depending on the model and year of manufacture, so owners should not assume that every petrol vehicle is fully E20-compatible.
4. Can E20 damage older engines or fuel-system components?
Concerns about E20 mainly relate to older vehicles that were not originally designed for higher ethanol blends. While ethanol has not been found to significantly directly affect metal fuel-system components, prolonged exposure to E20 can accelerate wear in some older rubber and plastic parts such as fuel hoses, seals, O-rings, gaskets and certain fuel pipes if they are made from materials that are not ethanol compatible.
Before approving E20, ARAI tested metals, elastomers and plastics commonly used in fuel systems. The study found no significant corrosion of metal components, but certain rubber compounds and plastics used in older vehicles showed greater deterioration than with E10 fuel. These findings prompted manufacturers to use ethanol-compatible materials in newer vehicles. Thus, owners of older vehicles should keep up with regular servicing and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, increasing the inspection frequency if damage is suspected.
5. Does E20 reduce fuel efficiency?
Yes. E20 fuel generally returns lower fuel efficiency than petrol with a lower ethanol content because ethanol contains less energy than petrol. The exact reduction varies depending on the vehicle, engine and calibration.
E20 vs E10 mileage test results
Creta N Line
Dzire (BS 6)
Polo GT TSI
Dzire (BS 4)
Registration year
2024
2024
2017
2016
Average speed
17.8kph
20.25kph
18.0
19.3
Kpl on E20
10.59
14.24
9.13
9.8
Kpl on E10
12.12
14.81
9.63
11.19
Kpl variance
1.53
0.57
0.50
1.39
% variance
-12.62
-3.84
-5.19
-12.42
ARAI estimates a fuel efficiency drop of 1-6 percent with E20, while some manufacturers put it closer to 7-8 percent. In Autocar India’s real-world testing, both newer E20-compatible cars and older pre-E20 vehicles recorded a measurable drop in mileage when compared with an equivalent E10 blend. Among the newer cars, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire recorded a 3.8 percent drop, while the Hyundai Creta N Line saw a 12.6 percent decline.
Among older BS4-era cars, the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI posted a 5.2 percent drop, while the older Maruti Suzuki Dzire recorded a mileage drop of 12.4 percent.
The results also showed that there is no single figure applicable to every vehicle. Factors such as engine calibration and compression ratio all influence fuel efficiency, meaning some vehicles adapt better to E20 than others.
6. Does E20 improve performance or reduce emissions?
Octane rating test results
Fuel type
RON result
Regular E20 petrol
98.2 RON
XP95
98.8 RON
Yes, but not in a way that most motorists are likely to notice. E20 has a higher-octane rating than regular petrol, which improves resistance to engine knocking and can benefit engines designed to take advantage of higher-octane fuel.
The government says E20 aims to lower emissions by replacing a portion of petrol with domestically produced ethanol which is a renewable fuel. For most motorists, however, the most noticeable effect of switching to E20 is likely to be a small drop in mileage rather than a change in vehicle performance.
7. Is E20’s water contamination issue a real problem?
Image credit – Rushlane
Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it has the capability to absorb moisture. As a result, E20 is more susceptible to water contamination if excess moisture enters the fuel during storage or handling. In severe cases, this can lead to phase separation, where the ethanol and water separate from the petrol, affecting fuel quality.
Some petrol pump operators have raised concerns that existing underground storage tanks, particularly during the monsoon or in coastal areas, could be more prone to moisture ingress, increasing the risk of phase separation. However, the government and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) says that there is no evidence linking E20 itself to widespread fuel contamination or vehicle failures.
8. Will using E20 affect my vehicle’s warranty?
For most owners, no. Vehicle manufacturers have said that using E20 petrol will not affect the warranty of their vehicles, and valid warranties will continue to be honoured. The government, SIAM and several manufacturers have stated that vehicles continue to be covered under their standard warranty terms when fuelled with E20, for a full list click here. SIAM has also said that OEMs will honour the warranty committed to customers for E20 usage, and that insurance claims will remain unaffected.
9. Why isn’t E20 petrol cheaper than regular petrol?
Although E20 contains 20 percent ethanol, it is not cheaper than regular petrol because ethanol currently costs more to procure and blend than petrol under prevailing market conditions. The cost of ethanol procurement, tax, transportation, blending and distribution offsets any potential saving from replacing a portion of petrol with domestically produced ethanol.
Any savings from lower crude oil imports are realised at the national level rather than by consumers through lower pump prices.
10. Why can’t I still buy E10 or pure petrol?
Because by policy E20 is now India’s standard petrol. Following the nationwide rollout of the Ethanol Blending Programme, oil companies have standardised regular petrol and premium 95-octane petrol to an E20 blend. Maintaining parallel supplies of E10 and E20 would require separate storage, transportation and dispensing infrastructure, making nationwide distribution significantly more complex.
As a result, motorists can no longer choose between E10 and E20 at regular fuel stations. The only exception is 100-octane petrol, such as IndianOil XP100 and HP Power100, which remains effectively ethanol-free because it is a niche fuel sold in limited volumes. For most vehicle owners, however, E20 is now the only petrol available.
11. Is the government planning to increase ethanol blending beyond E20?
Not yet, but the groundwork has begun. While the government has said no decision has been taken to mandate petrol with more than 20 percent ethanol, it has begun preparing the regulatory framework for higher blends.
In May 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notified fuel quality standards for E22, E25, E27 and E30 petrol, indicating that the government is laying the groundwork for future adoption. It has also proposed recognising E85 and E100 fuels under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
Separately, the government has tasked the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) with studying the impact of E25 petrol on existing E10- and E20-compatible vehicles, including its effect on fuel efficiency, durability, emissions and engine performance under long-term use.
However, any move beyond E20 will require extensive testing and consultation with vehicle manufacturers, fuel companies and research agencies to assess engine durability, emissions and fuel-system compatibility before it is introduced.
12. What should owners of older cars do now?
If your vehicle is not certified as E20-compatible, it does not necessarily mean it will experience immediate problems. However, owners should follow the manufacturer’s guidance, keep up with regular servicing and replace worn fuel-system components as required. It would also be prudent to increase the frequency of inspection of your vehicles fuel system to ensure there is no corrosive damage and catch it before it gets acute.
If you own a classic car, an older imported vehicle or a high-performance model designed for lower ethanol blends, using ethanol-free 100-octane petrol may be worth considering.
13. Can I convert my vehicle to run on E20 fuel?
Yes, but official upgrade programmes are currently limited and while a few manufacturers, like Royal Enfield and Maruti Suzuki, had mentioned a plan for these earlier, they don’t have much to say for now. In a recent government press conference that aimed to quell the E20 backlash, Maruti stated that the kits are for R&D purpose only.
Theoretically, it’s possible to replace critical components susceptible to E20 damage with those designed to handle the fuel – especially if your vehicle is still in production – and if you feel the need to, you can go ahead and have parts like fuel lines, fuel pump and gaskets replaced but by your authorised workshops only.
So, should you be worried about E20 petrol?
Not worried, but alert. Modern petrol cars and bikes designed or updated for E20 are engineered to run on the fuel without major issues, and extensive testing by the government, research agencies and manufacturers found no evidence of widespread reliability concerns.That said, E20 is not without trade-offs. Most motorists should expect a small reduction in fuel efficiency.
For owners of older vehicles, it would be wise to pay closer attention to fuel-system maintenance.
The Indian automobile industry has asked the government to introduce a proper system to check the quality of fuel sold at pumps, according to a report by ET Auto. The request comes after many vehicle owners reported issues such as stalling and difficulty in starting their vehicles following the wider rollout of E20 fuel, it stated further.
Industry executives have clarified that E20 itself is not the problem, provided the vehicle is designed to run on it. Instead, they believe contaminated or adulterated fuel is causing these issues. Fuel pump owners have also raised concerns about contaminated fuel.
Hygroscopic nature of ethanol can cause contamination
As per the publication, investigations into customer complaints have found elevated levels of moisture and chloride in some fuel samples. One reason behind this is that ethanol has a tendency to absorb water. Since the existing underground storage tanks and fuel pipelines were originally built for regular petrol, high ethanol blends can cause issues. Water can also enter these tanks through rainwater, moisture, condensation or even fuel tankers supplying petrol.
If the water content in an underground fuel tank rises above 0.5 percent, the ethanol mixes with the water and separates from the petrol. This process, known as phase separation, leaves a layer of petrol on top and a water-ethanol mixture at the bottom. Vehicles that receive fuel from the lower part of the tank may end up with this water-rich mixture instead of E20 fuel.
The report also notes that storage tanks and pipelines made of mild steel are more likely to corrode if not upgraded for higher ethanol blends.
Industry wants an independent fuel-testing body
On condition of anonymity, a senior industry executive told the publication, “The maker cannot be the checker. At present, oil marketing companies (OMCs) check the quality of fuel being dispensed at pumps. An independent body needs to be made responsible to examine whether the fuel being retailed meets the specifications outlined by the Bureau of Indian Standards or BIS (the national body responsible for the standardisation, marking and quality certification of goods).”
According to BIS guidelines, E20 fuel should not contain added detergents, dispersants, silicone, chlorine-based additives or metallic additives.
Another industry executive explained, “The quantum of ethanol being blended in petrol has doubled to 11 billion litres in the last two years. But while the ratio of ethanol in the fuel has increased, the infrastructure remains the same. Trucks which were used in alternate applications are carrying E20 fuel; depots and fuel storage tanks at petrol pumps have not been upgraded. Therefore, the instances of fuel contamination.”
Maruti Suzuki has responded to the order issued by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Raipur. In an official statement, the automaker contested the consumer court’s directions to provide a new, E20-compliant car to the complainant, i.e., Dr. Premraj Debta. Dr. Debta filed a complaint against Maruti Suzuki at Raipur’s consumer court over E20-related damages to his Grand Vitara.
Brand says the car was E20 compatible
Claims it found contamination in the fuel
Maruti challenges consumer court’s orders
Maruti Suzuki has now challenged the consumer court’s direction by stating that the Grand Vitara sold to Dr. Debta was E20 compatible. The automaker went on to say that the car was “fully equipped to handle E20 fuel and this was disclosed in the owner’s manual.”
Pushing back further, Maruti claimed that it has found evidence of contamination in the fuel collected from Dr. Debta’s Grand Vitara. “Several other facts have also not been reflected in the court’s order,” said Maruti Suzuki in its statement. The company said that it is now planning to escalate the matter in a higher court of law, while concluding that it “remains fully committed to quality, safety and customer satisfaction through robust engineering, processes and systems.”
Previously, a customer of a Toyota Innova Hycross found themselves in a similar situation when their car kept suffering frequent breakdowns due to E20 fuel. However, Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, responded to this by saying that the culprit here was contaminated fuel, not E20. Meanwhile, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) stated that during its nation-wide fuel quality tests, the company found no instances of adulteration, contamination, or critical quality lapses.
Maruti E20 Raipur case recap
Just to recap, on July 14, 2026, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Raipur ordered Maruti Suzuki to replace Dr. Debta’s Grand Vitara with a new, E20-compatible car. The doctor alleged that his car’s engine had stalled several times due to E20 petrol and that the issue was never permanently fixed by Maruti despite multiple visits to the service centre. Ultimately, the consumer court ordered the automaker to replace the complainant’s car with a brand-new one within 45 days, or pay monetary compensation.
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Raipur, Chhattisgarh, has directed Maruti Suzuki to replace the Grand Vitara belonging to Dr. Premraj Debta for E20-related damages, ETV Bharat reported. After verifying all the necessary documents and arguments put forth by Maruti and Dr. Debta, the consumer court ordered the automaker to provide the doctor with a new, E20-compatible car within 45 days. Otherwise, Maruti Suzuki will have to cover the full cost of the car, amounting to Rs 20.50 lakh. It has also been ordered to pay Rs 1 lakh for mental harassment and Rs 10,000 to cover litigation fees, as per ETV Bharat.
The central government has asked state chief secretaries to ensure strict action against fuel adulteration and any lapses in the ethanol-blended petrol supply chain. This directive comes as concerns surrounding the quality and compatibility of E20 petrol recently flared up among swathes of motorists.
Centre calls for ‘iron hand’ consequences against fuel adulteration
In a recently-issued Q&A note addressing concerns about the use of E20, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said that any procedural lapse in the handling of fuel must be dealt with firmly. It called for “an iron hand against any instance of adulteration” and said there should be zero tolerance for practices that compromise fuel quality.
However, the ministry did not mention whether adulteration had been detected across the E20 supply chain. The release also did not provide details of specific cases, inspections, or penalties imposed by states.
The primary reason behind the crackdown is to distinguish between concerns related to the approved E20 specification, and problems that could arise from adulteration or failures in handling and quality-control procedures. According to the ministry, a lapse at any stage of the supply chain should not be treated as evidence that the prescribed E20 fuel standard is unsafe.
Many motorists have raised concerns about E20, particularly pertaining to mileage drops, reduced performance, and possible damage to fuel system components. Some online reports even linked vehicle breakdowns to E20, when in reality, the culprit was found to be adulterated fuel.
Mercedes-Benz India says suspected fuel adulteration is adding to customer concerns around E20 petrol, with some fuel quality issues being mistaken for problems caused by ethanol blending. The luxury carmaker said it has seen a rise in customer queries around E20 fuel. “We’ve seen a lot of anxiety, with a lot of customers asking us and our dealerships,” Mercedes-Benz India managing director and CEO Santosh Iyer said.
Mercedes-Benz says customer queries around E20 fuel have increased
Dealer network equipped with FAQs to address customer concerns
Latest S-Class hybrid already compatible with E25 fuel
Mercedes-Benz clarifies concerns around E20 fuel
Speaking during the company’s half-yearly sales call, Iyer said the company has equipped its dealer network with FAQs to help address customer concerns around E20 fuel.
He added that Mercedes-Benz’s latest models are already compatible with higher ethanol blends and said the company is not concerned about E20 compliance. “We were one of the first to get materially compliant E20 cars, as well as emission-compliant E20 cars. The new S-Class hybrid is already an E25-compliant car,” he said.
Mercedes urges stricter checks on fuel quality
Iyer said some cases of poor-quality fuel are being mistaken for issues related to E20 petrol, making it difficult to distinguish fuel adulteration from genuine ethanol-related concerns. “We have seen increased fuel adulteration happening under the garb of E20, which is also causing concern because we have some customers who may not have filled the right quality of fuel, and then explaining it to them may be challenging,” he said.
He said stronger enforcement at fuel stations would help distinguish genuine fuel-quality issues from concerns related to E20, reducing confusion among customers. “So this is something for the enforcement agencies and regulators to check because under this E20, even we can see a bit of proliferation of fuel adulteration, which is causing anxiety and concern among customers,” he said.
Amidst ongoing backlash and discontent surrounding E20 fuel, a resurfaced 2021 study conducted by ARAI highlights the impact of E20 on metals and non-metals used in fuel-system components. The study noted that while metals and metal coatings had no issue with E20, some plastic and rubber components did experience some deterioration over a prolonged period of time.
Citing the research study, a NITI Aayog report published in June 2026 stated, “Material compatibility tests revealed that the metals and metal coatings had no issue with E20. Elastomers (NBR/PVC blend and Epichlorohydrin) had inferior performance with E20 compared to neat gasoline. Plastic PA66 had a drop in tensile strength after use with E20. In the vehicle level studies, fuel economy decreased up to 6 percent (depending on the vehicle type) on an average basis.”
For the uninitiated, materials such as NBR/PVC blend, Epichlorohydrin and PA66 are used in fuel-system components such as gaskets, seals, O-rings, pipes and hoses.
The NITI Aayog report also noted, “The test vehicles passed startability and drivability tests at hot and cold conditions with E0 and E20 test fuels. In all the cases, there was no severe malfunction or stall observed at any stage of vehicle operation. No abnormal wear of engine components or deposits or deterioration of engine oils were observed after the on-road mileage accumulation trials.”
