Gadkari On E20 Fuel: BS-III Vehicles May Need Rubber Parts Replaced

The Union Government has confirmed that rubber parts and gaskets in some BS-III vehicles may need replacement when run on E20 fuel, the ethanol-blended petrol sold nationwide. Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari shared the update in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

The affected BS-III vehicles are those introduced from April 1, 2005, and manufactured before 2016. Gadkari said the affected parts can be replaced during routine servicing, with no major impact on overall vehicle performance.

Image Source: PTI

Responding to concerns about fuel efficiency, Gadkari said automobile manufacturers and vehicle-testing agencies have clarified that mileage depends on several factors beyond fuel type. These include driving habits, maintenance practices such as oil and air-filter changes, tyre pressure, wheel alignment and air-conditioner usage.

A joint study evaluating the effects of E20 fuel on two-wheelers and four-wheelers was carried out by four agencies - Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Dehradun, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

The study found that legacy vehicles did not show significant variations in performance or abnormal wear and tear when run on E20 fuel. No issues were reported in drivability, startability, metal compatibility or plastic compatibility.

In his written reply, Gadkari said: "Only in case of testing done on BS-III vehicles introduced from 1st April, 2005, and manufactured prior to 2016, some rubber parts and gaskets may require replacement, which can be easily managed during routine servicing regime of the vehicle."

BS-VI vehicles also continued to meet emission norms when tested with E20 fuel, according to the findings. Engines in cars and two-wheelers did not require any modification to run on the ethanol blend.

An inter-ministerial committee constituted under NITI Aayog in December 2020 examined vehicle compatibility and mileage-related aspects of ethanol blending, backed by research from IOCL, ARAI and SIAM. Its findings fed into NITI Aayog's Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25, released in June 2021 after consultations with automakers, oil companies and agricultural experts.

The rollout of E20 petrol, a blend of 80 per cent petrol and 20 per cent ethanol, has drawn criticism from opposition parties and consumer groups. Their concerns centre on the fuel's effect on older vehicles that were not originally designed for a 20 per cent ethanol blend.