Oil Ministry Reveals E20 Fuel Economy Impact
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that E20, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, can reduce fuel economy by 3 to 5% in certain vehicles. This disclosure comes as India pushes for higher ethanol blending to reduce oil imports and promote cleaner fuels.
Understanding E20 and Its Efficiency Loss
E20 contains 20% ethanol, compared to E10 which has 10% ethanol. The lower energy content of ethanol compared to petrol leads to reduced mileage. According to the Oil Ministry, the impact varies by vehicle type and engine calibration.
Government's Ethanol Blending Roadmap
India aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26. However, the ministry noted that older vehicles not optimized for higher ethanol blends may experience greater fuel economy loss. Automakers are advised to adjust engines for E20 compatibility.
Impact on Consumers and Industry
For consumers, the 3-5% reduction means slightly higher fuel costs per kilometer. The automotive industry is working on solutions, including flex-fuel engines. The ministry emphasized that the environmental benefits of reduced emissions outweigh the efficiency loss.
