YouTuber Sourav Joshi Claims Ethanol Blended Petrol 'E20' Dropped His Mercedes Mileage From 16–17 km to 5 km Per Litre
Popular YouTuber Sourav Joshi claimed his Mercedes mileage dropped dramatically from 16-17 km/l to 5 km/l after using E20 petrol, raising concerns about engine damage. His video has gone viral, adding fuel to the ongoing debate on ethanol blending. Government and industry maintain compatibility for modern vehicles.
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Popular Indian YouTuber Sourav Joshi has claimed that using ethanol blended E20 petrol has drastically reduced the mileage of his Mercedes vehicle. In a widely circulated video, Joshi alleged that his car’s fuel efficiency fell from 16-17 km per litre to as low as 5 km per litre, expressing concern over potential engine damage.
Sourav Joshi Claims Spark Public Discussions
Joshi’s remarks have sparked intense discussion on social media, with many users sharing similar experiences and questioning the government’s push for higher ethanol blending. Legal experts and citizens have called for greater transparency and vehicle compatibility checks. E20 Petrol May Reduce Mileage by 3-5%, But Offers Better Pickup, Says Petroleum Ministry.
Scared to Use Ethanol-Blended Petrol, Reduced My Mercedes Mileage: YouTuber Sourav Joshi
I am scared to fill ethanol-blended petrol in my car. My Mercedes used to give 16–17 km/l mileage, but now it’s dropped to 5. My car will be ruined soon.
—India’s biggest vlogger, Saurav Joshi pic.twitter.com/IQgSgogFHm
— Mohit Chauhan (@mohitlaws) July 12, 2026
Sourav Joshi Said E20 Fuel Reduced Mileage of His Mercedes
"Ethanol-blended petrol destroyed my Mercedes mileage from 16-17 km/L down to 5 km/L. Scared to even tank up. Car will be finished soon."
— Sourav Joshi, Indian YouTuber pic.twitter.com/uqZaVlbHiU
— 🚨Indian Gems (@IndianGems_) July 12, 2026
Other reports have noted mixed results, with some owners reporting modest drops of 2-6 per cent while others echo Joshi’s concerns. Automakers have issued advisories for certain models, recommending verification of compatibility with E20 fuel.
Government and Industry Stance
The Indian government promotes E20 as a step towards reducing oil imports and emissions, with oil companies gradually increasing ethanol content. Officials maintain that modern vehicles are designed to handle the blend, but critics argue that insufficient public awareness and infrastructure have led to widespread confusion. Does E20 Fuel Reduce Mileage? Here's What Petroleum Ministry Said.
The controversy highlights ongoing challenges in balancing environmental goals with consumer confidence in the transition to greener fuels. As discussions continue, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions for better implementation and awareness of E20 fuel standards.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 12, 2026 01:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
