A survey from Team-BHP and The Lallantop found that 56 percent of owners of older vehicles in India reported a drop in fuel efficiency after switching to E20 petrol, a blend of 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent gasoline. Many drivers also noted sluggish acceleration and increased fuel consumption, especially in cars made before E20 compatibility became standard. Automakers like Mahindra and industry body SIAM acknowledge some efficiency loss, with SIAM citing a 2-4 percent decline under controlled tests, though real-world results appear larger for many users. The Indian government continues to push ethanol blending as part of its strategy to cut crude oil imports, lower carbon emissions, and support domestic agriculture. Standards for even higher blends like E22, E25, and E30 have already been notified. The tension between energy security goals and consumer experience on the ground will shape how quickly higher blends can be adopted without backlash from drivers of older vehicles.
