On the issue of long-term wear and tear, the Petroleum Ministry has stated that corrosion risks are mitigated through BIS and Automotive Industry Standards, which require the use of corrosion inhibitors and ethanol-compatible materials. However, experts interviewed by TNIE cautioned that ethanol is hygroscopic—meaning it absorbs water—and can be more corrosive than petrol. Over time, this could lead to the deterioration of rubber and plastic components such as gaskets, seals, and fuel hoses, particularly in older vehicles. If not properly maintained, this wear could result in degraded fuel pumps, clogged injectors, and even fuel leaks, they warned.
Beyond technical concerns, Gadkari and the ministry have highlighted the broader national benefits of ethanol blending.
According to a NITI Aayog study, lifecycle emissions from sugarcane-based ethanol are 65% lower than petrol, while maize-based ethanol emits 50% less. Since 2014–15, the programme has saved India over Rs 1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange and enabled payments of over Rs 1.20 lakh crore to farmers.
With a higher octane rating (~108.5) compared to petrol’s 84.4, ethanol also supports the performance of modern high-compression engines. Its higher heat of vaporisation lowers intake manifold temperatures, improving engine response and efficiency.
The ministry also rejected claims that the E20 rollout was rushed, pointing to the publicly released Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020–25, which has been in place since 2021. It said the transition was phased in consultation with vehicle manufacturers, oil marketing companies, and regulators.
“The narrative that ethanol-blended petrol harms vehicles or short-changes consumers lacks technical foundation,” the ministry had stated.
(With inputs from Express News Service)
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