New Delhi: The Petroleum Dealers Association has urged the Centre to reconsider the nationwide rollout of E20 — petrol blended with 20% ethanol — saying the higher ethanol content is creating operational problems at fuel stations and prompting motorists to blame dealers for vehicle faults.
Petroleum Dealers Association president Sasanka Sekhar Sahu told ANI that petrol pump owners have been facing growing difficulties because customers are attributing vehicle problems to E20 petrol, even though dealers do not set fuel policy.
“We are urging the government to reconsider the introduction of E20 fuel. Dealers are facing significant difficulties with the current E20 rollout,” Sahu said.
Sahu claimed that, unlike many countries which limit ethanol blending to around 10%, India has moved to a 20% blend and that numerous vehicles on Indian roads — including some BS6 models — were not originally designed for E20.
He said the transition has led to complaints of clogged carburettors and other mechanical issues, with customers often confronting petrol pump operators. “The government introduced the fuel, and we simply sell it,” he added.
Government Push, Industry Defence
The Centre has promoted E20 as part of a strategy to cut dependence on imported crude, reduce tailpipe emissions and support domestic ethanol production, while encouraging automakers to roll out E20-compatible vehicles.
Several carmakers and industry experts, however, have defended the higher blend, saying vehicles certified as E20-compatible have undergone extensive testing and can safely operate on petrol containing up to 20% ethanol when maintained according to manufacturer guidelines.
Dealers Call For Review
While manufacturers reiterate confidence in E20-ready vehicles, the Petroleum Dealers Association’s appeal underscores ongoing concerns about compatibility and consumer awareness as the rollout progresses. Dealers say these issues need addressing before the policy is widened.
