E20 petrol raises concerns among Hyderabad motorists

The rollout of E20 petrol has raised concerns among Hyderabad motorists, with many fearing corrosion and reduced mileage. While mechanics say it is too early to assess long-term effects, several motorists want the option to choose between different fuel blends.

Hyderabad: Ethanol-blended petrol has Hyderabadis worried. E20 petrol, which comprises 20 per cent ethanol blended with 80 per cent petrol, is a concern among motorists.

Telangana motorists have expressed fears over the E20 blend, as the government is strongly pushing for E35 and E85. Many are worried that their vehicles may face corrosion due to incompatibility with the blended fuel.

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While some have flagged issues such as a drop in mileage and compromised performance, others are waiting for E20-compatible conversion kits with ethanol-resistant fuel lines, gaskets and rubber fittings.

In contrast, automobile experts and technicians say it is too early to talk about the damage caused by blended petrol.

Shaik Karim, a two-wheeler mechanic from Alwal, says that he has not received any complaints about the blended fuel yet. “It is too early to speak about corrosion due to ethanol. We will have to wait at least another six months to observe that issue in vehicles,” he says.

Kishore Kumar, a motorcycle enthusiast, says the mileage of his motorcycle is slightly affected due to the blended petrol. However, he also says the riding conditions in the city, owing to increased traffic, could be a contributor to the drop.

Dinesh Naganoori, who commutes to work from Domalguda to Gachibowli, says that people should have an option to choose the blends instead of being forced to buy whatever is being sold.

Currently, petrol pumps across the State are only selling blended petrol, as the blending is being done by distributors.

A common misconception is that high-octane petrol, available in the market as ‘Power Petrol’ and ‘XP95’, is not ethanol blended. However, to debunk this misconception, high-octane petrol is also blended with 20 per cent ethanol, which is now the standard.

Power petrol typically means a higher octane rating of about 93 to 97, compared to the regular 91, meaning it includes special additives that prevent premature ignition and clean carbon build-up.

Union Minister for Transport Nitin Gadkari, who is at the forefront of the government’s ethanol push, is facing widespread criticism, with many alleging that the push for blending is driven by the minister’s personal interests.