Kanpur: Recent concerns circulating on social media regarding the impact of E20 petrol on vehicle engines have been debunked by a scientific study from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Rumours have been swirling online suggesting that the 20 per cent ethanol-blended fuel significantly reduces vehicle mileage and causes severe mechanical issues, including total engine failure. In response to these widespread anxieties and the government’s subsequent release of a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions, researchers have stepped forward with definitive scientific data to clarify the situation.
The rigorous study conducted by the Engine Research Laboratory within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur found absolutely no evidence that E20 petrol damages vehicle engines. Dhruv Raj Karan, a project scientist involved in the study, confirmed that extensive testing proved the fuel blend does not cause engine degradation, corrosion, or any other related technical complications. The research team characterized the viral social media claims as scientifically baseless, urging vehicle owners to rely on official manufacturer manuals and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas rather than unverified online reports.
Furthermore, the institute’s findings addressed concerns regarding fuel efficiency, revealing that E20 petrol does not lead to a significant drop in vehicle mileage. According to the researchers, any minor variations in fuel consumption are predominantly influenced by individual driving habits, road conditions, and overall vehicle maintenance, rather than the blended fuel itself. The Engine Research Laboratory, led by Professor Avinash Kumar Agarwal, has been conducting long-term research on ethanol blends, noting that their durability tests showed zero adverse effects on vehicle speed or engine longevity. The team has even successfully tested fuel mixtures containing up to 85 per cent ethanol, though they noted such high blends require specialized engines and modified fuel systems.
