Drop in mileage, high maintenance cost? 53 per cent of vehicle owners dissatisfied with E20 fuel, concerns yet to allay

NEW DELHI: Concern looms over E20 fuel, which is a mixture of 80 per cent petrol and 20 per cent ethanol. Auto enthusiasts fear the chances of such an introduction affecting the life and mileage of vehicles, and increasing maintenance costs. A survey report said 53 per cent of vehicle owners are dissatisfied with the introduction of E20 by the central government.

Many called it an ineffective measure. Some opined that using the fuel in vehicles released before 2023 saw the mileage falling by 10 per cent. It was also said that petrol without ethanol is better. Meanwhile, the centre and a section of vehicle manufacturers termed the concerns baseless.

A public interest litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court demanding that a notice be displayed at petrol pumps in the country to make citizens aware of the fuel provided. Advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami demanded that this should also be mentioned in the bill issued by the pumps. This is the right of the consumer. Citizens cannot be forced to buy fuel mixed with ethanol in petrol. It has also been pointed out that silently distributing E20 fuel without permission is unconstitutional.