E20 Petrol May Harm BS-III Vehicle Rubber Parts and Gaskets, Nitin Gadkari Clarifies No Major Engine Issues
Some BS-III vehicles may need replacement of specific rubber parts and gaskets while using E20 petrol, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari told Parliament. He said studies found no major engine, performance or durability issues in legacy vehicles. Here's what the government said about E20 fuel compatibility, mileage and older vehicles.
Some Bharat Stage (BS)-III vehicles may require replacement of specific rubber parts and gaskets when using E20 petrol, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, July 29. However, he said extensive studies have found no major performance, durability or engine-related concerns in most legacy vehicles running on the higher ethanol blend.
The clarification comes amid concerns among owners of older vehicles following the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol, a fuel comprising 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. Questions had been raised about possible engine damage, fuel system compatibility and reduced mileage.
What Did Nitin Gadkari Say?
In a written reply in Parliament, Gadkari said studies have not indicated the need for engine modifications in existing cars and two-wheelers. "Studies have not shown any need to modify the car and two-wheeler engines."
He further stated that the findings showed: "even legacy vehicles did not exhibit any significant variations in performance, nor do they show abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20 fuel." According to the minister, no issues have been reported regarding "drivability, startability, metal compatibility, and plastic compatibility."
Which Vehicles May Need Maintenance?
Gadkari said only a limited category of older BS-III vehicles may require minor maintenance while using E20 petrol.
"Only in case of testing done on BS-III vehicles introduced from 1st April, 2005, and manufactured before 2016, some rubber parts and gaskets may require replacement, which can be easily managed during the routine servicing regime of the vehicle," he said.
The minister indicated that these replacements can be carried out as part of regular vehicle servicing and do not require major modifications.
What About Mileage?
Addressing concerns over fuel efficiency, Gadkari said mileage cannot be attributed solely to E20 petrol. He said automobile manufacturers and vehicle-testing agencies have clarified that a vehicle's fuel economy depends on multiple factors beyond the type of fuel being used.
Studies Behind the E20 Rollout
The minister said an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), constituted by NITI Aayog in December 2020, examined vehicle compatibility, mileage and efficiency before the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol.
The committee relied on studies conducted by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and other agencies. These studies evaluated engine durability, fuel systems, emissions, material compatibility, drivability and fuel efficiency before recommending the transition.
The government's clarification follows criticism from opposition parties and consumer groups, which have questioned the compatibility of older vehicles with E20 fuel and expressed concerns about higher maintenance costs.
The Centre, however, maintains that the shift to E20 petrol has been gradual, backed by scientific studies and supported by extensive laboratory and field testing before implementation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2026 01:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
