A new survey in India reveals that owners of pre-2023 petrol vehicles are paying up to Rs 25,000 more annually due to the mandatory switch to E20 fuel, which contains 20% ethanol. Nearly half of respondents said they would prefer the return of E0 or E10 petrol options, citing reduced fuel efficiency and engine wear. The findings highlight a tension between India's ethanol blending policy for reducing oil imports and emissions, and the practical costs imposed on drivers of older cars not designed for higher ethanol blends. While the government promotes ethanol blending as a key climate and energy security measure, the transition has created unexpected expenses for millions of vehicle owners. Experts suggest clearer labeling, continued availability of lower ethanol blends, and better consumer education could ease the shift. The survey underscores that even well intentioned decarbonization policies can have real financial consequences if implementation ignores the existing vehicle stock.
