E20 Fuel Debate in India: Engine Compatibility, Mileage Loss, and Emissions Impact

India's push for E20 petrol, a blend with 20% ethanol, aims to cut carbon emissions and reduce fossil fuel reliance. The article covers engine compatibility concerns, potential mileage loss in older vehicles, and reassurances from experts like former IndianOil official R. Kesavan, who points to successful use in the US and Brazil. It also clarifies that E20 is not made from sugarcane juice but from fermented agricultural products, supporting farmers and domestic agriculture. As India moves toward higher ethanol blending, regulators and auto dealers are calling for a phased rollout to let consumers adapt. The piece frames E20 as part of a broader shift to greener automotive energy, though it notes that older vehicles may see performance drops. For anyone tracking low-carbon fuel policy or India's ethanol roadmap, this is a relevant update on the trade-offs between emissions goals and real-world vehicle compatibility.