The mandatory rollout of E20 petrol across India in April 2025 has sparked considerable anxiety among vehicle owners, according to a recent survey by LocalCircles. This survey indicates that the number of older petrol vehicle owners citing increased maintenance costs due to the new fuel blend has nearly doubled in just two months. This raises important questions about how well older vehicles can adapt to the E20 blend and what this means for vehicle owners nationwide.
The findings show that 80% of petrol vehicle owners who purchased their cars in 2022 or before have experienced a drop in fuel efficiency in 2025. This is a significant rise from August 2025, when only 67% reported a decrease in fuel mileage. Over 36,000 petrol vehicle owners from 323 districts participated in the survey, with a demographic split of 69% men and 31% women. Respondents came from diverse locations, including 45% from tier 1 cities, 27% from tier 2 cities, and 28% from tier 3 cities, rural areas, and other districts.
The recent survey indicated that 52% of owners of petrol vehicles purchased in 2022 or earlier faced unexpected wear and tear or required repairs in 2025, particularly concerning the engine, fuel line, tank, and carburetor. This percentage has seen a dramatic increase from 28% in August to 52% in October. These results imply that the new E20 petrol blend is significantly affecting vehicle maintenance, with many owners feeling frustrated by the rising costs and diminished performance of their vehicles.
E20 petrol, which consists of a 20% ethanol mix, was introduced to cut down on fossil fuel reliance and emissions, echoing global shifts toward more sustainable ethanol fuel policies. Yet, the transition has been challenging, especially for vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2025, which are largely only suited for E5 or E10 blends. Consequently, a large number of vehicle owners are now at risk of facing the negative impacts associated with the increased ethanol content found in E20 petrol.
Despite assurances from the government, including Minister Nitin Gadkari characterizing complaints as “misinformation,” vehicle owners are sharing a different reality. Instances of engine failures, injector problems, and phase separation have come to light, leading some owners to face hefty repair bills. A notable case is that of an Audi Q7 owner in Chennai, who reported spending ₹4 lakh on repairs due to engine failure caused by E20 petrol.
Additionally, a LocalCircles survey revealed that 52% of petrol vehicle owners would favor the availability of E20 petrol at a 20% lower price if offered as an option. This indicates a strong desire for flexibility and choice among consumers, who feel challenged by the mandatory transition to E20 petrol lacking sufficient alternatives.
Globally, about 5-6% of transportation fuel demand is met through ethanol blending, and this market is anticipated to expand significantly in the years ahead. Yet, for vehicle owners in India, challenges highlight the intricacies of shifting to higher ethanol blends, especially in areas where vehicle compatibility poses a problem.
