Centre debunks viral social media claims that E20 petrol damages vehicle engines

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a detailed clarification debunking viral social media claims that E20 ethanol-blended petrol damages vehicle engines and is unsafe for motorists. The government's response follows the nationwide rollout of the fuel, which consists of a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol.

The controversy intensified after videos circulated on platforms such as Instagram, X, and Facebook showing broken-down vehicles. The posts claimed that the new fuel blend causes engine failures, reduces mileage, voids manufacturer warranties, wastes excessive water, threatens food security, and even attracts ants to fuel tanks.

To counter the misinformation, the ministry released a 10-point clarification asserting that E20 fuel is scientifically tested and globally accepted. The fuel has been used safely for decades in countries such as Brazil, the United States, and Canada to reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence.

Addressing environmental and resource concerns, the ministry stated that producing one litre of ethanol requires only three to five litres of water during processing. Furthermore, modern ethanol plants operate under a zero-liquid-discharge system that recycles water. The government also clarified that ethanol is produced using surplus rice and maize, which are only utilized after meeting the country's food security requirements.

For vehicle owners, the ministry reassured that trials conducted over thousands of kilometres showed no significant impact on engine performance, mileage, or drivability in compatible vehicles. While older vehicles might require earlier replacement of certain rubber or corrosion-prone components, officials stressed this does not constitute engine damage.

Additionally, both automobile manufacturers and insurance companies have confirmed that using E20 fuel does not void vehicle warranties or affect insurance coverage.

The ministry also dismissed the claim that the fuel attracts ants or bees, explaining that sugar is entirely eliminated during the ethanol production process. Finally, it clarified that previous Supreme Court proceedings involving E20 related to procurement agreements rather than the safety or performance of the fuel itself.