Mileage drop from E20 fuel is minor, says Hardeep Singh Puri amid social media concerns
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said E20 fuel causes only a minor mileage reduction, while improving acceleration and engine knocking performance. He said insurance remains unaffected, defended the programme against misinformation, and confirmed E25 blending will be considered only after completing all required testing.
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday said the reduction in vehicle mileage due to E20 fuel is “minor” and sought to reassure the public amid growing concerns over ethanol-blended petrol.
Addressing a press conference, Puri said a “make-believe” narrative had been circulating on social media in recent days, creating unnecessary fears about the use of E20 fuel, The Times of India reported.
He said vehicles running on ethanol-blended fuel offer better acceleration and improved knocking performance. “Mileage may drop a little, but it can happen because of many other reasons also,” the minister said, adding that the reduction in fuel efficiency is minimal.
Puri also said insurance companies have issued clarifications confirming that vehicle insurance coverage will not be affected by the use of E20 fuel.
To address public concerns, the Petroleum Ministry has prepared a 15-page note outlining India’s ethanol blending journey and explaining how the fuel is being used in several countries. According to the ministry, the document also responds to questions raised about the programme.
The note stated that “misleading videos, selectively edited clips and sensational social media posts” were being circulated to create fear among vehicle owners regarding the use of E20 fuel.
The minister said India introduced 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol after consultations with all stakeholders, including the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and the Automotive Research Association of India.
He added that the government would consider moving to 25 per cent ethanol blending only after completing all the required tests.
Puri also noted that ethanol blending is not a new concept and recalled that automobile pioneer Henry Ford had once described ethanol as the “fuel of the future.”
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Source : ChiniMandi
